New Housing: Swift Bricks

Questioned a Government claim that swift bricks might be inappropriate in some cases, suggesting there are no reasons why they should not be used in high-density schemes. Caroline Lucas thanked Hannah Bourne-Taylor for starting the petition to save swift birds and highlighted their significance. She noted a 62% decline in swift populations between 1995 and 2021 alongside other bird species' declines. She endorsed swift bricks as a conservation measure and urged the Government to mandate their installation in all new developments. She expressed disappointment at Richard Foord's reluctance regarding mandatory swift bricks and stressed the urgency and benefits of implementing them. Caroline pointed out that even if a swift does not use it, having the brick could still help other bird species. The brick costs about £25, which is insignificant for new developments. There should be action instead of warm words.

Asked if it matters if swift bricks are uninhabited by swifts, arguing that the presence of unused bricks does no harm. Suggested that swift bricks could be a planning requirement for extensions, noting the cost of living crisis might prevent people from moving and they would need to enlarge their homes. Ms Nokes congratulated Hampshire Swifts on its work in contributing to planning processes and local plan reviews, emphasizing the group's efforts to push for swift conservation measures. Test Valley Borough Council already mandates various specifications in planning applications, including brick type and roofing material, suggesting swift brick mandate would not be complicated.

Concerned about the low number of local authorities implementing swift bricks, Duncan Baker suggested that adjusting local plans to ensure their use could help improve the situation.

Ms Morgan discussed the importance of swift conservation in her constituency, noting a petition signed by 305 people and frequent casework on the topic. She highlighted that swifts are declining by nearly 60% since 1995 and praised the benefits of swift bricks for habitat restoration, ease of installation, and protection of other endangered species. She also mentioned concerns about insect decline affecting swift diets.

She highlighted the dedication of local swift conservation groups and emphasized that swift bricks are a simple, cost-effective solution. She questioned why swifts specifically merit a planning requirement when other threatened species already have protections. She also raised concerns about the biodiversity net gain metric not incentivizing the use of swift bricks. Nature recovery strategies focus on birds nesting in trees and hedgerows, which is irrelevant to the swift brick debate.

As the planning Minister at the time, Kit Malthouse highlighted two advantages of using swift bricks: they provide homes for other declining species and protect swifts from eviction by parakeets. Mr Malthouse clarified that the request is for the Government to mandate the use of multiple swift bricks per property, given swifts' social nesting habits and preference for colonies rather than individual nests. Kit Malthouse suggested that the Government's extensive mandates on housing for human occupation seem to contradict their lack of action regarding swift bricks despite its simplicity, questioning why such a mandate is not implemented. Developers have not adhered to biodiversity net gain guidance over several years; swift bricks are permanent and do not deteriorate, unlike wooden boxes which need replacement after a few years.

Agreed with the lead MP's points, highlighting that swift bricks are cost-effective and can be installed in homes without causing noise or mess. Noted that 85% of respondents to a recent survey would not be dissuaded from buying a house because of a swift brick.

Recognises the decline of nature in the UK, especially concerning swift birds. Acknowledges local conservation efforts but argues for higher installation rates of swift bricks to reverse species' rapid decline. Urges consideration of revising national planning policy to create a presumption in favour of incorporating swift brick provisions within local development plans.

Presenting his constituent's booklet on the campaign for swift bricks, Richard Burgon agreed with the proposal and has written to the Secretary of State asking for swift bricks to be made a national planning requirement.

He highlighted the decline in swift populations, noting that fewer than 90,000 arrived in the UK last year. Richard also mentioned that other species like house martins have declined by 50% since 1960 due to environmental degradation and climate change. He advocated for embedding swift bricks in buildings as a safe space for birds and emphasised the importance of insulation efforts compared to past years. Despite local authorities' autonomy, he argued for compulsory use of swift bricks given low uptake.

Paying tribute to his constituent Hannah Bourne-Taylor for initiating a petition, Robert Courts highlighted the extraordinary nature of swifts and their unique characteristics. He argued that swifts are losing critical nesting spaces due to renovations and suggested swift bricks as an effective solution. He acknowledged Richard Foord's concerns about mandatory targets and suggested using guidance to ensure the impetus for swift bricks while avoiding waste in inappropriate circumstances. The Government's measures for nature recovery are not sufficient for swifts; a mandate for swift bricks is needed due to their niche requirement.

Samantha Dixon spoke about the importance of swift bricks and boxes for conserving swift populations in Chester. She highlighted a 46% decline in breeding swift numbers and noted that installing swift hotels was part of progressive decisions by local councils, such as Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Acknowledged the RSPB's campaign and Stroud Valleys Project's efforts to promote the protection of these species, endorsing proposals for changes in local authorities and planning. Mrs Baillie deferred to Ms Morgan's expertise and thanked her hon. Friend for his account of swifts' aviation abilities. She agreed that mandating swift bricks was necessary due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, emphasizing the need for greater scale.