The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has begun examining the environmental impact of a government plan to build 1.5 million homes.
- The proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework aim to increase land availability for development.
- Concerns have been raised about potential threats to existing environmental protections during housing expansion.
- The inquiry seeks to align housing growth with climate and nature goals without compromising on safeguards.
- Expert opinions and evidence are being gathered to evaluate the government’s consideration of environmental implications.
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched an inquiry to scrutinise the environmental impact of the UK Government’s ambitious plan to construct 1.5 million homes over the forthcoming five years. This plan is part of a broader strategy, which includes alterations to the National Planning Policy Framework, designed to release more land for housing developments. Nevertheless, this move has sparked apprehension among environmentalists and experts regarding the preservation of environmental protections amidst such extensive housing initiatives.
A core concern highlighted during the consultation phases of these proposals is the risk that essential environmental safeguards might be compromised in pursuit of increased housing availability. Key points of focus for the EAC include ensuring that the expansion does not undermine efforts in protecting and enhancing the environment, encouraging active travel, lowering embodied carbon levels, and establishing local nature recovery networks. The inquiry is fundamentally about finding a balance where housing growth does not come at the expense of vital environmental considerations.
An upcoming evidence session has been planned to further delve into these issues and discuss to what extent the Government has accounted for environmental impacts within their proposed reforms. Scheduled for Wednesday, 20 November, this session will feature testimonies from several notable witnesses, including Professor Alister Scott, a specialist in environmental geography and planning from Northumbria University; Cllr Richard Wright, leader of North Kesteven District Council; Dr Hugh Ellis, director of policy at the Town and Country Planning Association; and Sam Stafford, Planning Director at the Home Builders Federation. Their insights will be instrumental in shaping the EAC’s assessment and recommendations.
EAC Chair Toby Perkins MP has articulated the need for a holistic approach, stating, “Britain has a housing crisis, a climate crisis and a nature crisis. All three must be tackled in tandem and addressing one must not be at the expense of another.” His statement underscores the significance of ensuring that climate and environmental protections are integral to planning framework reforms. The inquiry will rigorously examine how these protections are being factored into the housing strategy and, where they fall short, propose actionable recommendations to uphold them.
This inquiry by the EAC represents a critical step in aligning the UK’s housing ambitions with its environmental responsibilities.
