IEMA responds to Government’s Planning Reform Working Paper on Development & Nature Recovery

IEMA (The Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals) has submitted its response to the UK Government’s Planning Reform Working Paper, which explores new strategic approaches to balancing development and nature recovery. Rufus Howard, IEMA’s policy and engagement lead for impact assessment, outlines the Institute’s key recommendations and concerns.

The Government paper invites views on proposals for a new approach to how housing and infrastructure development can meet its environmental obligations and contribute to nature recovery. The government wants to accelerate development while going beyond simply offsetting harm to unlock the positive impact this development can have in driving nature recovery. This new approach would use funding from development to deliver environmental improvements at a scale which will have the greatest impact – moving from an unacceptable status quo that can hold up development without improving nature, to a win-win for both.

Read Dr Howards full response here