Nature is not a blocker to housing growth, MPs find

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Nature is not a blocker to housing growth, a cross-party group of MPs has warned in a new report. The government risks missing its housing and nature targets if it views nature as a barrier to building new homes.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which overrides existing habitat protections, has been suggested by the government as a way to achieve its goal of building 1.5 million houses by the end of this parliament. However, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has found that the measures outlined in the bill are insufficient to meet the government’s housing goals.

In a report published on Sunday, the EAC emphasized that using nature as a scapegoat will hinder the government’s ability to address the real challenges facing the planning system. The report highlighted the need to focus on addressing skills shortages in ecology, planning, and construction instead of viewing nature as a hindrance to housebuilding.

The Labour government has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes in England by 2029 to address the housing crisis and stimulate economic growth. As part of its housing reforms, the government aims to streamline the planning system to expedite house-building on smaller sites by overriding existing habitat and nature protections.

The EAC recommended offering incentives to encourage the construction and occupancy of “carbon-friendly homes” or retrofitting existing homes. The group also proposed measures to enhance the manufacturing viability of green construction products and adjust tax burdens to support eco-friendly housing.

Environmental group Friends of the Earth echoed the EAC’s concerns, emphasizing the need for the government to prioritize nature conservation. The group criticized the Planning and Infrastructure Bill for failing to deliver quality homes or adequately protect nature.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government defended the government’s reforms, stating that they are aimed at creating a balance between economic growth and environmental protection. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of achieving the government’s target of building 1.5 million homes while ensuring the preservation of nature.

In conclusion, the EAC’s report underscores the importance of viewing nature as an essential component of sustainable and resilient housing development. By addressing skills shortages, incentivizing eco-friendly housing, and prioritizing nature conservation, the government can achieve its housing goals while safeguarding the environment.