Source · Select Committees · Built Environment Committee
Recommendation 151
151
The introduction of a district level licensing scheme for great crested newts has led to...
Conclusion
The introduction of a district level licensing scheme for great crested newts has led to a more strategic consideration of necessary habitats and unfavourable areas for development. 198 Mapping shows the most important areas to conserve and identifies target areas for new or restored ponds to compensate for the loss of habitats. Developers pay a fee to obtain a licence which funds the mitigation activity. 199 Natural England argued these deliver better outcomes for nature and reduce delays for developers. 200 The National Infrastructure Commission cites this scheme as a positive example of a strategic environmental mitigation scheme. 201
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 12 December 2023. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗