The government has been accused of breaking its promise to protect nature after announcing a significant weakening of planning rules designed to benefit wildlife.
Exemption for Smaller Developments
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook confirmed on Tuesday that a crucial environmental rule for developers will no longer apply to smaller sites. The policy, known as biodiversity net gain (BNG), had required builders to create 10% more space for nature on a site than existed before construction began.
Under the new exemption, developments under 0.2 hectares will be freed from this obligation. Analysis by the Wildlife Trusts suggests this change means a combined area across England equivalent to the size of Windsor forest will now not be restored for nature.
A Broken Promise and Investment Risk
The move has sparked fierce criticism from conservation groups, who say it directly contradicts ministerial assurances. Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts, accused Housing Secretary Steve Reed of breaking his word. Bennett stated that Reed, as environment secretary in January, had made a "solemn promise" that the government was committed to BNG.
Nature organisations also warn the change jeopardises substantial private investment. Since the BNG rules were introduced in February 2024, private firms have already directed £320 million into habitat restoration projects.
Beccy Speight, CEO of the RSPB, condemned the decision, saying it "flies in the face" of the government's pledge to be the most nature-positive ever. She called it a blow for nature, communities, and business confidence.
Planning System Overhaul and Wider Consequences
The exemption forms part of a broader package aimed at helping the government meet its target of building 1.5 million homes by the end of this parliament. Other measures include a default "yes" to suitable homes near rail stations and a potential exemption from the building safety levy for small and medium-sized builders.
Defending the changes, Steve Reed argued the current planning system says "'no' more often than it says 'yes'" and that reform is needed to build the homes people deserve.
However, the scale of the exemption is significant. Data from Wildlife and Countryside Link shows that 77% of all planning applications in England are for sites under 0.2 hectares, raising fears the policy could be undermined entirely. The group's CEO, Richard Benwell, urged the government to strengthen green rules, not shrink them, to meet its electoral promise of halting wildlife decline.
The government is separately consulting on how major infrastructure projects like roads and airports should achieve biodiversity net gain, with campaigners urging high standards to prevent mass habitat destruction.
