The government is proposing changes to environmental regulations that currently require developers to enhance wildlife habitats as compensation for natural areas lost during construction. The potential changes specifically target smaller residential developments as part of its efforts to increase home construction in England.
Current Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations require house builders to offset environmental damage by creating or improving wildlife habitats. The changes may reduce compliance costs for smaller development companies while intending to maintain ecological benefits.
The regulatory adjustments form part of a housing reform package announced by the government. The reforms aim to streamline planning approval processes and reduce barriers for smaller-scale residential house building projects.
The government’s strategy includes modifications to existing planning requirements:
Planning Authority Changes: Trained planning officers would have the authority to approve smaller developments instead of requiring council member votes, potentially speeding up the approval timeline.
Scale-Based Exemptions: Housing projects of up to nine homes may receive relief from current BNG obligations, while developments with 10-49 homes could avoid taxes related to dangerous cladding remediation costs.
Political Response and Criticism
Angela Rayner, as both Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, defended the proposals as practical solutions rather than environmental compromises. She claims that the changes would streamline bureaucratic processes without abandoning environmental commitments.
However, some MPs have expressed strong criticism of the proposed reforms, arguing that the changes would reduce local input in development decisions while potentially sacrificing green spaces and environmental protection.
Shadow secretary for local government, Kevin Hollinrake, said the government was “stripping councillors of the right to vote on local planning applications, concreting over green belt and withdrawing support for first-time buyers” that would lead to “higher taxes and less say over development in your community.”
The government has committed to constructing 1.5 million new homes in England before 2030. However, analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility suggests this goal may be difficult to achieve even with previously announced planning reforms. Recent statistics reveal a downward trends in housing development approvals.
The construction industry says that current BNG requirements create significant challenges for smaller companies. The Home Builders Federation accepts the need for environmental protection goals, but called for planning barriers to be addressing.
Conservation organisations have voiced strong opposition to the proposed relaxations. Environmental groups warn that exempting smaller developments could undermine the entire BNG framework, potentially eliminating requirements for approximately three-quarters of all housing projects to compensate for environmental damage.