Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 35
35
Deferred
Systemic failures in delivering promised ecological and landscape mitigations are undermining planning system integrity.
Conclusion
We are gravely concerned by reports that many ecological enhancements and landscape mitigations promised by developers are never delivered in practice. This indicates systemic failings, brings the planning system into disrepute, and questions whether the Government will be able to fulfil its ambitions to build critical infrastructure in a nature positive way. (Conclusion, Paragraph 84)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's concerns regarding the non-delivery of ecological enhancements and mitigations but states that this issue cannot be addressed within the current NPS review timeframe and will be kept under review.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The government has committed to ensuring nature’s recovery, and developers will continue to be required to show how their application meets legal and regulatory requirements associated with environmental assessment, ensuring that the mitigation hierarchy is applied to any impacts arising from energy infrastructure. Our commitment to the environment is unwavering, including through meeting the Environment Act targets and halting biodiversity decline by 2030. The government welcomes the Committee’s comments in regard to enforcement of environmental enhancements and mitigations. While this is not an issue that can be addressed within the remit or timeframe of the current NPS review, the government will keep this under review.