The environment, climate change and the biodiversity crisis are hot topics in todays media following the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) and the fast approaching COP26 Glasgow scheduled on the 31st October to the 12th November which will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Amongst this and as a result of Brexit, the Environment Bill is currently moving through the final stages of the Bill passage with Wednesday the 20th October 2021 marking the day in which the House of Commons is due to consider the amendments made in the House of Lords. This will start a period described as ‘ping pong’ whereby the Bill travels back and forth between the two Houses, until both Houses agree on the text of the Bill. When the exact wording has been agreed by the Commons and the Lords, the Bill will be ready to receive Royal Assent and is made an Act of Parliament. Should neither house be able to reach an agreement, the Bill will fail.
The Environment Bill makes provision about targets, plans and policies for improving the natural environment; for statements and reports about environmental protection; for the Office for Environmental Protection; about waste and resource efficiency; about air quality; for the recall of products that fail to meet environmental standards; about water; about nature and biodiversity; for conservation covenants; about the regulation of chemicals; and for connected purposes. Importantly for planners and developers, the Bill provides an opportunity to ensure that the UK maintains and improves upon environment al protection as it leaves the EU, introducing new requirements, such as the need for a development to achieve a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain and to be managed for 30 years.
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Phillippa Gatehouse
Assistant Planner
Chapman Lily Planning Limited
T: Wareham, Dorset Office: 01929 553818
E: phillippa.gatehouse@clplanning.co.uk
W:http://www.clplanning.co.uk
