In the face of election uncertainty, Jacob Bonehill takes a look at what we do know about the Environment Bill – and what this might mean for development projects.
As the announcement of the election puts policy-making on hold, the future of the Environment Bill – which will determine the UK’s environmental regulations after Brexit – has been thrown into uncertainty.
Described as a ‘landmark Bill to tackle the biggest environmental priorities of our time’ its objective is an effective net gain policy for the environment, development and local communities. As it stands it would introduce a wide range of policies to tackle everything from air pollution to restoring and protecting natural habitats, waste and sustainable water management.
The policies will likely have significant impact on development projects and the Bill’s delay has left a lot of questions over what and when this might be. So to try and anticipate what is to come, we have taken a look back at what we do know, based on the Government Response to the net gain consultation undertaken in late 2018 / early 2019.
The required 10% net gain is substantial and will prove more challenging for some developments over others. Specifically challenging may be the need for clients to demonstrate net gain outcomes, through habitat creation or enhancement, to be maintained for a minimum of 30 years.
However, it is important to mention that a number of local authorities are already seeking biodiversity enhancements. So what this will do is regularise that on a national scale and bring consistency for clients.
Of course a question mark remains over the direction this Bill will take under a new government, but broadly we can expect something similar. Whatever the outcome of the election or even Brexit, the next government will need to shape its own Environment Bill; necessary to transcribe environmental protection from European into UK law as well as demonstrate the UK’s commitment to tackling climate change.
Jacob Bonehill
Associate Director
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