Reacting to the Government's announcement today on updating the
NPPF to meet the Government's housebuilding target, Environmental
Audit Committee Chair, MP, said:
“I welcome the Government's commitment to address the housing
crisis, and it is imperative that their commitments to ensure
that housing growth doesn't come at the expense of nature or the
environment are delivered.
“As our Committee heard last month, the NPPF has been blindsided
by the climate crisis. There needs to be a stronger presumption
against building on land at major flood risk. Properties must be
built to a high standard, ensuring that they do not leak heat
into our atmosphere and that they prioritise low carbon materials
and the use of renewable energy.
“I welcome the improved environmental safeguards since the
original document, but will continue to urge the utmost caution
for concreting over any areas which provide valuable ecosystem
services, whether they are designated as brownfield sites or grey
belt land. I welcome the Minister's assurances that the
Government is looking at how best to utilise Biodiversity Net
Gain on large and small sites around the country.
“We will use our current review into Planning Policy and
housebuilding targets to learn more about any changes the
Government is considering regarding Biodiversity Net Gain,
species protection and ensure that the new housing is powered by
renewable energy and able to support the Government's net zero
ambitions. Our Committee looks forward to hearing how the
Government plans to balance environmental sustainability with
housing growth as we continue our inquiry into the New Year.”
