UK Planning Bill: Will a Second Bill Be Needed?

Health Care

3 days agoPWG Publications

“UK Planning Reforms: Why Another Bill Might Be Necessary”

The UK's Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2024-25 has sparked significant debate since its introduction on March 11, 2025, with nature charities and stakeholders voicing concerns over its potential impact on environmental protections. As the bill progressed to its second reading on March 24, 2025, many are questioning whether it will be enough to address the complex issues surrounding planning, infrastructure, and environmental preservation. This concern has led some to speculate about the need for a second Planning Bill to ensure comprehensive reforms.

Introduction to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is designed to reform various aspects of town and country planning in England and Wales, with some provisions affecting Scotland as well. It aims to support the government's ambitious targets, including delivering 1.5 million homes and deciding on 150 nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) before the end of the current parliament[2].

Key features of the bill include:

Reforms to NSIPs: Streamlining the development consent process, reducing legal challenges, and allowing the Secretary of State to direct projects out of the process[2][3].
Local Fee Setting: Allowing local authorities to set their own planning fees, which could be used to enhance planning services[2].
Nature Restoration Levy: Introducing a levy for developers to pay into a Nature Restoration Fund, managed by Natural England, to compensate for environmental impacts[2][4].
Development Corporations: Expanding their powers to deliver large-scale housing projects while considering sustainable development and climate change[2].

Concerns Over Environmental Protections

Despite these provisions, nature charities have expressed deep concerns about the potential weakening of environmental laws and the impact on wildlife. A recent YouGov poll revealed that a significant portion of the British public (71%) supports increased environmental protections, highlighting the public’s desire for stronger environmental safeguards[4].

These charities point out that the bill could allow developers to bypass protections for threatened species by paying into the Nature Restoration Levy, which may not adequately address species-specific conservation needs[4]. Additionally, the proposed offsetting mechanisms may not prevent irreversible harm to cherished natural areas[4].

The Case for a Second Planning Bill

Given these concerns and the complex nature of planning reforms, some argue that a single bill cannot comprehensively address all issues. A second Planning Bill might be necessary to ensure that environmental protections are strengthened rather than weakened. Such a bill could focus on:

Strengthening Environmental Safeguards: Introducing stricter tests to ensure that nature benefits outweigh environmental harm and that developers cannot simply offset damage.
Clearer Consultation Processes: Enhancing public engagement and consultation to prevent projects that could significantly impact local communities or wildlife.
Consistent Policy Framework: Ensuring that planning policies across the UK are aligned and effective in delivering sustainable development.

A Future of Comprehensive Planning Reform

The push for another bill highlights the challenges of balancing growth with environmental stewardship. While the current bill aims to accelerate development and infrastructure projects, it must also ensure that these advancements do not come at the cost of natural environments cherished by the public.

Incorporating feedback from nature charities and the broader public could lead to legislation that better addresses these dual goals. As the UK strives for a more sustainable future, the possibility of a second Planning Bill underscores the need for inclusive and holistic reforms that meet both development and environmental objectives.

Conclusion

The journey of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill has shown that comprehensive planning reform is a multifaceted challenge requiring careful consideration of various stakeholders. Whether through amendments to the current bill or the introduction of a second bill, the goal should be to create legislation that supports sustainable growth while protecting the UK's rich natural heritage for future generations.

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