Boris Johnson's Planning Reforms Threaten British Countryside, Green Groups Warn

Strategic Insights -

Boris Johnson's plans to revamp the planning system risk wreaking havoc on the UK's environment and wildlife, despite his previous commitments to deliver a "green Brexit". The National Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and Wildlife Trusts have joined forces to condemn the prime minister's "build, build, build" strategy, which they fear will lead to lower environmental standards and reduced protections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The green groups have warned that weakening planning and protections risks setting voters in the shires against the Conservative government, alarming many Tory MPs in the process.
  • A joint letter from the organisations states that wide-scale deregulation would be a betrayal of promises by Johnson and Michael Gove to deliver a "green Brexit".
  • The government is considering removing Strategic Environmental Assessments, which under EU law have been used to assess the green impact of big new developments.
  • 93% of Conservative voters want to maintain or strengthen protections for habitats and wildlife, according to a review commissioned by the government itself.
  • The environment bill has been delayed, and the new body to enforce environmental laws after Brexit will not be ready in time, further weakening environmental protections.
  • Countless reviews have shown that environmental laws guide good development when implemented well, and there is no public appetite for deregulation.

Statistics:

  • 93% of Conservative voters want to maintain or strengthen protections for habitats and wildlife, according to a review commissioned by the government itself.
  • The government is considering removing Strategic Environmental Assessments, which have been used to assess the green impact of big new developments since EU law came into effect.
  • The environment bill has been delayed, and the new body to enforce environmental laws after Brexit will not be ready in time, further weakening environmental protections.

Sources:

  • A joint letter from the National Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and Wildlife Trusts, as reported by The Observer.
  • A review commissioned by the government itself, which found that 93% of Conservative voters want to maintain or strengthen protections for habitats and wildlife.
  • A statement from Michael Gove, environment secretary, promising to deliver a green Brexit in July 2017.
  • A report from the Daily Telegraph's "Hands off our Land" campaign in 2011, which protested against attempts to change planning laws.
  • A report from the Whitehall "project speed" initiative, which aims to make building projects faster and more efficient.