Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Not Addressed
Conflicting roles for Natural England in EDPs and Nature Restoration Fund raise conflict of interest concerns.
Conclusion
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)
Government Response 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.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
57. The Government remains committed to BNG and making the process simpler for SME developers while maintaining nature recovery at scale. Through Defra’s recent consultation, we explored how to make BNG easier, quicker, and cheaper for smaller developers while protecting nature and nature markets. In December we announced that as part of the BNG reforms, the Government is proposing to introduce an area-based exemption for small sites that are 0.2 hectares or less and a further consultation on an additional targeted exemption for residential brownfield development. We think that this strikes the right balance of ensuring that the policy can help us meet both the country’s housing and nature recovery needs. A full consultation response and implementation timeline will be published shortly. 58. We have also consulted on how BNG should be applied to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects from May 2026, to provide a clear framework that ensures major new developments deliver for nature and contribute to our legally binding targets.