Fears of erosion of local control over planning for nature and biodiversity, such as ecological surveys, have prompted calls by Warwick District Council for changes to the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill currently going through Parliament.

With the emerging South Warwickshire Local Plan requiring land for over 50,000  new homes, at their meeting on 16 July, councillors expressed serious concern that the Bill, as currently drafted, could give developers a green light to build without proper safeguards for biodiversity, green space, and community input.

The Council motion put forward by Councillors Kyn Aizlewood and Will Roberts highlights specific risks, including proposals to:

• Remove requirements for on-site ecological surveys

• Allow environmental contributions to be reduced based on profitability

• Undermine the role of local councils in planning decisions

• Create confusion with existing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) rules.

The councillors also warned that these changes could severely impact local habitats and wildlife corridors, directly threatening green spaces like Eagle Recreation Ground in Leamington Spa.

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Cllr Aizlewood commented: "This Bill risks undoing years of good work.

"Our Council has led the way with a successful Biodiversity Action Plan, but if developers are allowed to bypass local oversight and environmental standards, those gains could be lost."

Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Place Cllr Chris King added:"Whilst our Council supports well-planned, sustainable development, it's important that we add our voice to other authorities across England who have already expressed their fears about the bill.

"Our wish is for joined-up, transparent systems that protect nature while delivering new homes."

In passing the motion, the Council has agreed to:

• Write to the Prime Minister and relevant Secretaries of State demanding key environmental protections are retained

• Urge local MPs to oppose the Bill unless amended

• Raise public awareness and encourage residents and councillors to sign a national petition, which can be found here.

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