House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Development and the environment
16 December 2024 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Proposed by Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Government aims to speed up housing and infrastructure development
- Proposes strategic assessments to enhance environmental outcomes
- Invites public feedback on nature recovery funding through development proposals
Issue summary
The government aims to accelerate housing and infrastructure development while enhancing environmental outcomes through strategic assessments and delivery plans.
Action requested
The government has published a working paper inviting feedback on proposals to advance nature recovery funding through development, with plans for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill next year. The approach seeks to streamline project-specific assessments into single strategic assessments to ensure optimal environmental outcomes without reducing protections under existing laws.
Key facts
- Estimated 8% of new housing supply has been delivered in sensitive river catchments subject to nutrient neutrality requirements.
- Nutrient neutrality requirements have historically deterred planning applications and hindered development pace.
- The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will provide legislative support for the proposed approach.