Recommendations & Conclusions
31 items
2
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
The Government should set out how the NPPF and PIB comply with the EPPS, in line with sections 17 and 19 of the Environment Act 2021. Two complete and separate statements should be shared with the Committee—one for the NPPF and one for the PIB—in response to this report. (Recommendation, …
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The Government should set out how the NPPF and PIB comply with the EPPS, in line with sections 17 and 19 of the Environment Act 2021. Two complete and separate statements should be shared with the Committee—one for the NPPF and one for the PIB—in response to this report. (Recommendation, Paragraph 23)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details its Planning Data Platform for land and housing data, digital planning services, and forthcoming Land Use Framework, but does not provide statements on how the NPPF and PIB comply with the Environmental Principles Policy Statement (EPPS).
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3
Conclusion
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
Improved data sharing is a fundamental enabler of efficient and effective cross-organisational work to deliver sustainable housing. While there is evidence of cross-departmental working between DEFRA and MHCLG on planning, nature and housebuilding, the evidence we have taken suggests that existing data platforms are still siloed within organisations. This inhibits …
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Improved data sharing is a fundamental enabler of efficient and effective cross-organisational work to deliver sustainable housing. While there is evidence of cross-departmental working between DEFRA and MHCLG on planning, nature and housebuilding, the evidence we have taken suggests that existing data platforms are still siloed within organisations. This inhibits the sharing of geospatial and ecological data which could improve decision making relating to environmental and housing building targets. The sharing of environmental and land use data is a key enabler for improving cross-departmental collaboration, supporting decision-making, increasing overall efficiency and allowing government departments, local planning authorities, and arms-length bodies to collaborate on individual cases, within a single, unified case working system. (Conclusion, Paragraph 31)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on general plan-making system reforms and the use of digital tools, but does not specifically address the committee's observation about siloed geospatial and ecological data platforms inhibiting cross-organisational data sharing.
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4
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
Within 12 months of this report, the Government should establish a shared geospatial and environmental data platform, integrated with a case working system. This should be designed for use across government departments, arms-length bodies and local planning authorities to aid decision-making and collaboration. It should be maintained by a cross- …
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Within 12 months of this report, the Government should establish a shared geospatial and environmental data platform, integrated with a case working system. This should be designed for use across government departments, arms-length bodies and local planning authorities to aid decision-making and collaboration. It should be maintained by a cross- 85 departmental team. We note that mechanisms to consolidate and share data–such as the National Land Data Framework and MAGIC (Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside)–are in development. We recommend accelerating this into a fully operational data sharing platform. This would facilitate cross-government working on nature, planning and housebuilding decisions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 32)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses a consultation on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and environmental sustainability, which does not address the recommendation to establish a shared geospatial and environmental data platform within 12 months.
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7
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
We recommend that the Government should amend the definition of the presumption in favour of ‘sustainable development’ in the December 2024 revision of the NPPF to give greater weight to environmental sustainability. This should include strengthening safeguards against environmentally unsustainable, unplanned and speculative development. These revised definitions should be provided …
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We recommend that the Government should amend the definition of the presumption in favour of ‘sustainable development’ in the December 2024 revision of the NPPF to give greater weight to environmental sustainability. This should include strengthening safeguards against environmentally unsustainable, unplanned and speculative development. These revised definitions should be provided to the Committee in the Government’s response to this report. (Recommendation, Paragraph 45)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the abolition of the 'Duty to Cooperate' and general biodiversity policy in the NPPF, but does not address the recommendation to amend the definition of 'sustainable development' to give greater weight to environmental sustainability.
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8
Conclusion
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
Stakeholders highlighted the importance of alignment between a national Land Use Framework, environmental policies and planning policies. Such alignment will help direct housing developments and nature conservation or restoration to appropriate locations. It will also help reduce confusion, avoid conflicting objectives, and support coherent decision-making and streamlined delivery. Crucially, it …
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Stakeholders highlighted the importance of alignment between a national Land Use Framework, environmental policies and planning policies. Such alignment will help direct housing developments and nature conservation or restoration to appropriate locations. It will also help reduce confusion, avoid conflicting objectives, and support coherent decision-making and streamlined delivery. Crucially, it will provide clarity surrounding the application of planning rules and help prevent spurious challenges. In doing so, this supports the Government to achieve its goal of streamlining the planning system, resulting in more positive planning outcomes whilst offering clarity to all stakeholders as to what sustainable development really looks like. (Conclusion, Paragraph 57)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details existing and proposed policies on flood risk and sustainable drainage systems within the NPPF, but does not address the broader concern about the importance of alignment between a national Land Use Framework, environmental policies, and planning policies.
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9
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
Any future national spatial planning or land use policies, such as a Land Use Framework or Spatial Development Strategies, must be aligned with, and complimentary to, all environmental targets, frameworks and policies. These include but are not limited to: Environment Act 2021 86 targets, the Environmental Improvement Plan, Biodiversity Net …
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Any future national spatial planning or land use policies, such as a Land Use Framework or Spatial Development Strategies, must be aligned with, and complimentary to, all environmental targets, frameworks and policies. These include but are not limited to: Environment Act 2021 86 targets, the Environmental Improvement Plan, Biodiversity Net Gain, Nature Recovery Networks, Environmental Land Management Schemes, Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS), Environmental Delivery Plans (if in existence) and Flood Plans. The relationships between LNRS and other spatial planning and nature policies, such as the ones noted above, should be made clear. In its response to this report, Government should lay out how each of the policies mentioned above align and work together. (Recommendation, Paragraph 58)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on the mechanics and accountability of Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs), including the Overall Improvement Test and public consultation, but does not provide the requested overview of how EDPs align with the broader set of environmental targets and policies.
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10
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
Local authorities must ensure they have up to date local plans and environmental and climate planning policies. When combined, all local plans and policies should satisfy national environmental targets, allowing for flexibility as to how they meet these targets between areas, in reflection of unique and local environmental characteristics. The …
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Local authorities must ensure they have up to date local plans and environmental and climate planning policies. When combined, all local plans and policies should satisfy national environmental targets, allowing for flexibility as to how they meet these targets between areas, in reflection of unique and local environmental characteristics. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, should work together to audit all local plans once produced to ensure that, collectively, they add up to meet national house building and biodiversity targets. (Recommendation, Paragraph 59)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response addresses Natural England's role in the National Restoration Framework (NRF) and potential conflicts of interest, and does not engage with the recommendation regarding local plans, environmental policies, or a joint audit to meet national targets.
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11
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
We recommend that the Government should explicitly incorporate matters relating to biodiversity into the Duty to Co-operate, enabling local planning authorities to work together to meet national house building and biodiversity targets at a regional level. The Duty to Co-operate on biodiversity should eventually be integrated into Sustainable Development Strategies …
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We recommend that the Government should explicitly incorporate matters relating to biodiversity into the Duty to Co-operate, enabling local planning authorities to work together to meet national house building and biodiversity targets at a regional level. The Duty to Co-operate on biodiversity should eventually be integrated into Sustainable Development Strategies and be required to align with Local Nature Recovery Strategies. (Recommendation, Paragraph 60)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) and Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs), focusing on monitoring and reporting environmental outcomes, but does not mention or commit to incorporating biodiversity into the Duty to Co-operate for local planning authorities at a regional level.
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12
Conclusion
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
As our recent report on flood resilience stated, the planning system fails to account for the cumulative and cross-boundary impacts of development on flood risk. Land use decisions are often made in isolation, without considering downstream consequences, catchment-scale dynamics, or long-term resilience. This fragmented approach undermines catchment- based and natural …
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As our recent report on flood resilience stated, the planning system fails to account for the cumulative and cross-boundary impacts of development on flood risk. Land use decisions are often made in isolation, without considering downstream consequences, catchment-scale dynamics, or long-term resilience. This fragmented approach undermines catchment- based and natural flood management, can lead to new development in floodplains, increases exposure for vulnerable communities, and represents a critical weakness in national flood strategy. (Conclusion, Paragraph 61)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the impact assessment of the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) using nutrient neutrality as an example and the legislative safeguards for Environmental Delivery Plans, but it does not address the committee's observation regarding the planning system's failure to account for cumulative and …
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13
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
We reiterate that the Government should ensure that flood and climate resilience are embedded into the core tools of planning, regulation, and investment appraisal. The NPPF should be strengthened to prioritise flooding avoidance and climate adaptation, mandating sustainable drainage systems and consider the need for property flood resilience measures in …
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We reiterate that the Government should ensure that flood and climate resilience are embedded into the core tools of planning, regulation, and investment appraisal. The NPPF should be strengthened to prioritise flooding avoidance and climate adaptation, mandating sustainable drainage systems and consider the need for property flood resilience measures in all new developments through building regulations. As stated in our recent report on flood resilience, the Government should initiate a consultation on statutory requirements for assessing the cumulative impact of development on flood risk within local and regional plans by the end of
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Government response AI summary
The government's response refers to monitoring and implementation of the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF), which does not address the recommendation to embed flood and climate resilience in planning tools, strengthen the NPPF, mandate sustainable drainage systems, or consult on cumulative flood risk impact.
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16
Conclusion
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
We are concerned about the levels of subjectivity that may arise if the Secretary of State for the Environment acts as the sole and final arbiter of whether an Environmental Delivery Plan satisfies the overall improvement test. (Conclusion, Paragraph 79)
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We are concerned about the levels of subjectivity that may arise if the Secretary of State for the Environment acts as the sole and final arbiter of whether an Environmental Delivery Plan satisfies the overall improvement test. (Conclusion, Paragraph 79)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details the mechanisms for off-site Biodiversity Net Gain, including legal agreements and enforcement, but does not address the committee's concern about the Secretary of State's subjectivity in assessing Environmental Delivery Plans.
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17
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
In the interest of transparency, in response to this report, MHCLG and DEFRA should publish the criteria the Secretary of State will use to determine whether an EDP has passed the overall improvement test or not. It should also set out mechanisms as to how decisions made by the Secretary …
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In the interest of transparency, in response to this report, MHCLG and DEFRA should publish the criteria the Secretary of State will use to determine whether an EDP has passed the overall improvement test or not. It should also set out mechanisms as to how decisions made by the Secretary of State could be scrutinised and held accountable. (Recommendation, Paragraph 80)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses controlling costs and ensuring effective implementation of on-site Biodiversity Net Gain, including consultations on estate management companies, but does not address the recommendation to publish criteria for the Environmental Delivery Plan's overall improvement test or accountability mechanisms for the Secretary of …
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18
Conclusion
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
Considering the conflicting roles Natural England (NE) are expected to play in developing, delivering and assessing Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) and the Nature Restoration Fund, we are concerned about the potential for either a real, or a perception of, a conflict of interest. We do not doubt the earnestness and …
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Considering the conflicting roles Natural England (NE) are expected to play in developing, delivering and assessing Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) and the Nature Restoration Fund, we are concerned about the potential for either a real, or a perception of, a conflict of interest. We do not doubt the earnestness and expertise with which NE staff will seek to deliver EDPs, 88 but nevertheless it is essential that robust safeguards are in place to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the regulatory process. (Conclusion, Paragraph 84)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response outlines measures to simplify Biodiversity Net Gain for small and brownfield developments and its application to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, but does not address the committee's concern about Natural England's potential conflict of interest in Environmental Delivery Plans.
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19
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
Natural England should publish a clear statement outlining how it will protect against conflicts of interest arising when developing, implementing and assessing Environmental Delivery Plans and the Nature Restoration Fund in response to this report. (Recommendation, Paragraph 85)
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Natural England should publish a clear statement outlining how it will protect against conflicts of interest arising when developing, implementing and assessing Environmental Delivery Plans and the Nature Restoration Fund in response to this report. (Recommendation, Paragraph 85)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses challenges and proposed exemptions for delivering Biodiversity Net Gain on brownfield land with Open Mosaic Habitat, but does not address the recommendation for Natural England to publish a statement on managing conflicts of interest in Environmental Delivery Plans.
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20
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
The Government and NE should regularly assess whether the implementation of the EDP policy is reducing public confidence in NE and consider how they can, from the outset, build confidence in NEs ability to be both producer and arbiter of EDPs. (Recommendation, Paragraph 86)
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The Government and NE should regularly assess whether the implementation of the EDP policy is reducing public confidence in NE and consider how they can, from the outset, build confidence in NEs ability to be both producer and arbiter of EDPs. (Recommendation, Paragraph 86)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details funding for local planning authorities to implement Biodiversity Net Gain and support skills development, but does not address the recommendation for assessing public confidence in Natural England's role regarding Environmental Delivery Plans.
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21
Conclusion
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
We accept that the initial impact assessment of the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) was carried out on the basis of nutrient neutrality, due to limitations with broader data availability. However, as the NRF will have considerable implications for a wide range of environmental issues aside from nutrient pollution, a unidimensional …
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We accept that the initial impact assessment of the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) was carried out on the basis of nutrient neutrality, due to limitations with broader data availability. However, as the NRF will have considerable implications for a wide range of environmental issues aside from nutrient pollution, a unidimensional impact assessment is not satisfactory. We welcome the reassurances from the Minister for Housing and Planning that the NRF will not reduce the existing protections of habitats and species. However, this does not provide a satisfactory substitute for a full and independent analysis of the impacts the NRF will have if applied to other habitats and species, which have vastly differing characteristics and management techniques. We believe it unwise to impose a policy solution on a problem that has not been fully accounted for. (Conclusion, Paragraph 89)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses consulting on changes to planning policy for the natural environment, including green infrastructure provision, but does not address the committee's criticism regarding the unidimensional impact assessment of the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF).
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22
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
The Government should revise the impact assessment for the NRF, to take account of a variety of environmental issues, not only nutrient neutrality. It should consider the impact, role and budget of local authorities during the revision process. Only once a fully comprehensive impact assessment of the environmental aspect of …
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The Government should revise the impact assessment for the NRF, to take account of a variety of environmental issues, not only nutrient neutrality. It should consider the impact, role and budget of local authorities during the revision process. Only once a fully comprehensive impact assessment of the environmental aspect of the NRF has been completed can informed decisions about the efficacy of the NRF be made. The Government and Natural England must be clearer as to how approaches to the NRF will differ depending upon the environmental issue at hand. If this is not possible, then the NRF should only be applied to nutrient pollution, as we cannot be sure of the impact it will have on the environment otherwise. (Recommendation, Paragraph 90)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details investment in flood and coastal defence, support for nature-based solutions for flood risk, and policies for sustainable drainage systems, but does not address the recommendation to revise the impact assessment for the Nature Restoration Fund.
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23
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
Given the weak impact assessment of the NRF, we ask the Government to prepare a regulatory assessment of the NRF, if and when it is adopted. This assessment should be completed before Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill (PIB) is brought into force and should set out details …
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Given the weak impact assessment of the NRF, we ask the Government to prepare a regulatory assessment of the NRF, if and when it is adopted. This assessment should be completed before Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill (PIB) is brought into force and should set out details of how it is to be implemented, such as timelines and actions to be taken by relevant stakeholders. We encourage the OEP to monitor and regularly report on the implementation of the PIB once in statute, including on 89 how successful it is at safeguarding protected habitats and species, the application of the overall improvement test, compliance with the EPPS Duty and the non-regression statement on the face of the Bill. (Recommendation, Paragraph 91)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses updating guidance on carbon accounting and states it is not currently considering the RICS methodology for whole-life carbon assessments. It does not address the committee's specific request for a regulatory assessment of the NRF or OEP monitoring of the PIB.
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24
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
The relaxation of the mitigation hierarchy (MH) in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill has been a significant point of contention. The MH aims to ensure that harm to nature is first avoided, with destruction and compensation used only as a last resort. We believe that the strict application of the …
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The relaxation of the mitigation hierarchy (MH) in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill has been a significant point of contention. The MH aims to ensure that harm to nature is first avoided, with destruction and compensation used only as a last resort. We believe that the strict application of the MH on housing developments should remain in place, unless it is proven, using the best available scientific evidence, that nature is better served by not adopting the hierarchy in specific and individual instances. (Conclusion, Paragraph 97)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses entirely on carbon accounting and climate change targets, stating it will maintain a voluntary approach to carbon assessments and update planning practice guidance. It does not address the committee's recommendation regarding the strict application of the mitigation hierarchy in housing developments.
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25
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
Whilst accepting the Minister and NE’s assurance that the MH has remained in place, and would only be set aside where doing so would demonstrably benefit nature, we urge the Government and NE to publish site-specific evidence of the environmental improvements in all occasions where the MH has not been …
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Whilst accepting the Minister and NE’s assurance that the MH has remained in place, and would only be set aside where doing so would demonstrably benefit nature, we urge the Government and NE to publish site-specific evidence of the environmental improvements in all occasions where the MH has not been applied. This transparency is necessary to build confidence that nature a) has not been depleted and b) that it is benefitting from this alternative approach. (Recommendation, Paragraph 98)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses its commitment to net zero, the challenge of embodied carbon, and the assessment of evidence for reducing emissions, but does not address the recommendation to publish site-specific evidence of environmental improvements where the Mitigation Hierarchy has not been applied.
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26
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
We recommend that this evidence should include the systematic monitoring and review of the environmental outcomes on all sites where an EDP has been approved and introduced. NE should publish annual reports detailing the extent to which the MH has been applied to developments with an EDP, alongside evaluations of …
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We recommend that this evidence should include the systematic monitoring and review of the environmental outcomes on all sites where an EDP has been approved and introduced. NE should publish annual reports detailing the extent to which the MH has been applied to developments with an EDP, alongside evaluations of the effectiveness of the decisions made to improve the environment. (Recommendation, Paragraph 99)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the complexities of introducing tax incentives for green energy installations and declines to review council tax based on embodied carbon. It does not address the recommendation to systematically monitor environmental outcomes on EDP sites or for NE to publish reports on …
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27
Conclusion
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
It is too early to assess the overall success of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), as the policy is still establishing itself. Its long-term success is dependent upon the establishment of clear and effective regulation. The absence of standardised monitoring and enforcement protocols, clear lines of accountability, and insufficient resourcing, undermines …
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It is too early to assess the overall success of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), as the policy is still establishing itself. Its long-term success is dependent upon the establishment of clear and effective regulation. The absence of standardised monitoring and enforcement protocols, clear lines of accountability, and insufficient resourcing, undermines confidence in the policy. Without strengthened oversight and consistent implementation across the country, BNG risks falling short of reaching its full potential. (Conclusion, Paragraph 111)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response states it is not considering adopting the RICS methodology for whole-life carbon assessments and will keep it under review, which is unrelated to the committee's concerns about the regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
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28
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
More clarity is needed on how off-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects will be maintained, monitored, and enforced over the full 30-year period. We ask the Government, in response to this report, to lay out clearly who is responsible for oversight and enforcement of BNG throughout its lifespan, and how …
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More clarity is needed on how off-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects will be maintained, monitored, and enforced over the full 30-year period. We ask the Government, in response to this report, to lay out clearly who is responsible for oversight and enforcement of BNG throughout its lifespan, and how monitoring and enforcement is standardised across Local Planning Authorities to ensure consistent delivery. (Recommendation, Paragraph 112) 90
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses whole-life carbon assessments and updating Planning Practice Guidance for carbon emissions, completely failing to address the recommendation for clarity on how off-site BNG projects will be maintained, monitored, and enforced.
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29
Conclusion
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
We are concerned there is a risk that implementing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on housing developments may inadvertently result in unreasonable fees for residents or more expensive housing, which runs counter to the Government’s aim of creating more affordable housing. Communities of all socio-economic backgrounds should be able to afford …
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We are concerned there is a risk that implementing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on housing developments may inadvertently result in unreasonable fees for residents or more expensive housing, which runs counter to the Government’s aim of creating more affordable housing. Communities of all socio-economic backgrounds should be able to afford to live in developments benefitting from onsite BNG. (Conclusion, Paragraph 113)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses a consultation on NPPF climate change policies and ongoing work on reducing embodied carbon, which does not address the committee's concerns about Biodiversity Net Gain leading to increased housing costs or fees.
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30
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
The Government should set out how it plans to control the long-term costs and implementation of on-site BNG initiatives, so they are delivered to sufficient standards and ensure unreasonable costs are not passed onto households; as part of this, the Government should consider the implications of third-party delivery models. In …
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The Government should set out how it plans to control the long-term costs and implementation of on-site BNG initiatives, so they are delivered to sufficient standards and ensure unreasonable costs are not passed onto households; as part of this, the Government should consider the implications of third-party delivery models. In addition, the Government should explain to us what it is already doing to prevent residents from being overcharged for BNG services in its response. (Recommendation, Paragraph 114)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses construction product reform, green procurement, and ecolabels, but it does not address how it plans to control long-term costs or implementation of on-site BNG initiatives, or prevent households from being overcharged for BNG services.
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31
Conclusion
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
Introducing new exemptions to BNG when the policy remains in the early stages of implementation may have unintended consequences, particularly if applied too broadly. We believe more time is needed to assess the effectiveness of BNG before substantive changes are made. (Conclusion, Paragraph 115)
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Introducing new exemptions to BNG when the policy remains in the early stages of implementation may have unintended consequences, particularly if applied too broadly. We believe more time is needed to assess the effectiveness of BNG before substantive changes are made. (Conclusion, Paragraph 115)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details its exploration of financial mechanisms for low embodied carbon products and an Advance Market Commitment pilot for low carbon concrete, which does not address the committee's concern about introducing new Biodiversity Net Gain exemptions.
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32
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
While the Government has completed its consultation on new exemptions to BNG, additional exemptions must not undermine the effectiveness of the policy, ecosystem integrity, or the establishment of the BNG credit market. Entire exemptions from BNG for small sites would undermine the policy. The Government should not exempt all small …
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While the Government has completed its consultation on new exemptions to BNG, additional exemptions must not undermine the effectiveness of the policy, ecosystem integrity, or the establishment of the BNG credit market. Entire exemptions from BNG for small sites would undermine the policy. The Government should not exempt all small sites, but consider minor alterations, to ensure that the effectiveness of the policy is maintained. We reiterate our recommendation in paragraph 124 of our report on The Role of Natural Capital in the UK’s Green Economy. The Government should wait at least three years before making any substantial changes to BNG, as this could be viewed as a watering down of ambition. (Recommendation, Paragraph 116)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on the NPPF, VAT on renovations, and tackling empty homes, and does not address the recommendation regarding BNG exemptions for small sites or the timing of policy changes.
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33
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
In the event that BNG requirements do render brownfield sites less attractive or viable then the Enhanced Regeneration Programme could be an appropriate approach, particularly in areas that require housing growth but have struggled to secure investment, related to viability concerns. (Recommendation, Paragraph 117)
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In the event that BNG requirements do render brownfield sites less attractive or viable then the Enhanced Regeneration Programme could be an appropriate approach, particularly in areas that require housing growth but have struggled to secure investment, related to viability concerns. (Recommendation, Paragraph 117)
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees ecological expertise is critical and details significant investments to boost general planning capacity and skills across the system, including for ecological advice, but does not address the specific suggestion of using an Enhanced Regeneration Programme for brownfield sites if BNG impacts viability.
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37
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
As recommended in our Flooding Resilience report, nature-based solutions are highly effective and underutilised in protecting England’s properties from flooding. The Government should embed nature-based solutions as a core component of national flood resilience strategy by 2027 and make Sustainable Drainage Systems mandatory in all new developments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 128) …
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As recommended in our Flooding Resilience report, nature-based solutions are highly effective and underutilised in protecting England’s properties from flooding. The Government should embed nature-based solutions as a core component of national flood resilience strategy by 2027 and make Sustainable Drainage Systems mandatory in all new developments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 128) Sustainable Construction
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details ongoing support for local planning authorities through the Planning Capacity and Capability Programme, focusing on training and skills for planners in areas like BNG and nutrient neutrality, but it does not address the recommendation to embed nature-based solutions in flood resilience …
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38
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
Reducing embodied carbon is vital to decreasing the carbon emissions of the built environment and meeting the UK’s legally binding climate targets. Considering that key milestones for reducing carbon emissions are rapidly approaching, the Government must accelerate the introduction of policy in this area. (Conclusion, Paragraph 140)
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Reducing embodied carbon is vital to decreasing the carbon emissions of the built environment and meeting the UK’s legally binding climate targets. Considering that key milestones for reducing carbon emissions are rapidly approaching, the Government must accelerate the introduction of policy in this area. (Conclusion, Paragraph 140)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on skills, workforce capacity, and job plans within the construction and energy sectors, rather than addressing the recommendation to accelerate policy introduction specifically aimed at reducing embodied carbon.
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39
Recommendation
6th Report - Environmental sustainabili…
Not Addressed
We reiterate and support the recommendation given by our predecessor Committee on embodied carbon and whole-life carbon assessments: a. “The RICS Professional Statement on whole-life carbon assessments is fit for use and already familiar to UK industry. We recommend that, as soon as possible [ … ], the Government should …
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We reiterate and support the recommendation given by our predecessor Committee on embodied carbon and whole-life carbon assessments: a. “The RICS Professional Statement on whole-life carbon assessments is fit for use and already familiar to UK industry. We recommend that, as soon as possible [ … ], the Government should seek to establish the RICS methodology as the UK industry standard for whole-life carbon assessments”. (Recommendation, Paragraph 141)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details Natural England's role in the National Restoration Framework (NRF) and its funding, completely failing to address the recommendation to establish the RICS methodology as the UK industry standard for whole-life carbon assessments.
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