How will regulators help prevent UK housebuilding from undermining nature goals?
On Monday, the Environmental Audit Committee will hear from environmental and housing regulators on their roles in helping to deliver the Government’s housebuilding agenda while supporting nature recovery.
The Chief Executives of Natural England, the Environment Agency and Homes England will give evidence at a time when ministers are proposing to review and reform the role of arms-length bodies across Government.
Members are likely to ask the Environment Agency and Natural England how they will continue to protect the environment amid the Government’s aims to accelerate housebuilding, liberalise planning regulations and “back the builders, not the blockers”.
They are also likely to ask about controversial aspects of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, such as new Environmental Delivery Plans and changes to the mitigation hierarchy, which campaigners say could downgrade nature protection.
Meeting details
With pressure on resources at Natural England, and a growing shortage of skills in the construction and ecology sectors, members are also likely to ask witnesses whether their organisations have the skills and resources necessary to deliver the Government’s ambitions.