Developers have engaged in extensive lobbying of government ministers regarding the Labour Party’s significant planning and infrastructure bill, which aims to modify environmental regulations to accelerate housing development. The bill, unveiled in March 2024, has prompted campaigners to make urgent appeals for environmental protections as the legislation progresses toward its final stages.
Since the bill’s introduction, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook have held numerous meetings with property developers, while the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, representing professional ecologists, has not been granted a single meeting with any minister. This stark contrast highlights concerns regarding the government’s commitment to balancing development with environmental stewardship.
The planning bill seeks to facilitate the construction of 1.5 million homes before the end of the current parliamentary term, a move framed as essential for economic growth. As the government faces pressure from various factions, including nature organizations and ecologists, the legislation continues to draw scrutiny.
In a recent development, the House of Lords approved an amendment aimed at safeguarding certain species, including dormice and nightingales, as well as protecting vital habitats such as wetlands and ancient woodlands. Katherine Willis, the peer who championed the amendment, emphasized its dual benefit, stating that it would not only mitigate risks to the natural environment but also assist developers in navigating obstacles to building projects. She urged Members of Parliament to support the amended bill when it is presented next week.
Despite these efforts, the government’s willingness to accommodate changes remains uncertain. The administration has previously instructed its MPs to oppose various amendments and suspended a Labour MP for advocating for environmental considerations.
The level of lobbying conducted by developers has been extensive. According to records from the Treasury, just a week into her role, Reeves hosted discussions with major housebuilders, including Barratt and Taylor Wimpey. In contrast, Pennycook has recorded 16 meetings with property developers regarding housing supply and planning reform, while only participating in four meetings with wildlife and nature groups over the past year.
Sally Hayns, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, expressed frustration over the lack of access to ministers. “We initially requested a meeting early in the process but were turned down. After repeated requests, we finally met with civil servants in the autumn, but have yet to engage directly with any minister,” she stated.
The imbalance is evident in the government’s prioritization of developer interests over ecological concerns. Hayns noted that ecologists play a crucial role in collaborating with developers to ensure projects proceed in an environmentally responsible manner. “There is a very low level of ecological literacy being displayed by ministers,” she added. “Nature is being treated as expendable, and this oversight could have political ramifications in upcoming local elections.”
Joan Edwards, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Wildlife Trusts, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for parliamentary support for the amendment to mitigate the planning bill’s most damaging aspects. “The evidence is clear: nature is not a barrier to development. The government must recognize this fact and act accordingly,” she asserted.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government defended the government’s approach, stating that Minister Pennycook had attended multiple meetings with environmental groups regarding the planning bill. “This engagement has helped shape the development and passage of the planning and infrastructure bill, which aims to eliminate barriers to building essential new homes and infrastructure,” the spokesperson said.
As the planning and infrastructure bill moves closer to its final approval, the ongoing dialogue between developers, ministers, and environmental advocates will determine its impact on both housing development and ecological preservation in the UK. The upcoming vote in Parliament represents a critical moment for balancing these competing interests.
