Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Not Addressed
Publish statement outlining conflict of interest protections for Natural England's EDP and Fund roles.
Recommendation
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)
Government Response 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.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
59. The BNG consultation recognised that delivering BNG on previously developed land can be particularly challenging where Open Mosaic Habitat (OMH) is present. It proposed several options to overcome these challenges and ensure there is a viable compensation route for brownfield development with OMH present, given the high ecological value of this habitat. 60. As part of the announcement in December, Government also said it will consult on an additional targeted exemption for residential brownfield development, testing the definition of land to which it should apply and a range of site sizes up to 2.5 hectares. By focusing specifically on residential development and on brownfield land, we will protect the delivery of BNG on larger greenfield habitats.