Overview

• The Planning and Infrastructure Bill seeks to speed up approvals for 1.5 million new homes over five years by cutting red tape in local planning processes.
• Section 3 introduces a nature restoration fund that permits developers to offset ecological harm through payments rather than preserving affected sites, drawing ‘cash for trash’ rebukes.
• Surrey County Council unanimously voted to demand the removal of the fund mechanism, highlighting threats to chalk streams, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and native species.
• Dorset Wildlife Trust and the West Bay Swimmers Action Group have raised concerns that rapid development without upgraded infrastructure could increase river pollution and exacerbate species loss.
• The government insists the bill will enhance environmental outcomes through strategic oversight and maintain existing habitat protections as it moves into the House of Lords.