'Licence to destroy nature': What’s next for Government’s Bill?

If implemented in its current form, Part 3 of the UK Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill would see a weakening of nature protections in England. It would put some of our most vulnerable species and precious habitats at serious risk.

Earlier this week, the proposed Bill concluded its Report and Third Reading stages in the House of Commons. This was an opportunity for the Government to amend the Bill to address concerns raised by you – supporters of the RSPB – and deliver a genuine win-win for nature and economic growth. From the outset, the RSPB has been clear about the need to reform the planning system so that it protects and restores nature at scale, while delivering more homes and boosting the economy. As it stands, the Government’s own watchdog, the Office of Environmental Protection (OEP), has stated the Bill would be a ‘regression’ of environmental protections.

Disappointingly, as the Report Stage debate closed, and the Bill passed its Third Reading vote, its content remains deeply concerning. During the debate, the Government continued to deny that the Bill would allow the destruction of irreplaceable natural habitats, or that it would weaken environmental protections. This is despite public statements from numerous experts and their own watchdog showing otherwise. 

However, there were some encouraging signs that show your calls to protect nature are being heard. Matthew Pennycook, Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, stated that the Government are considering how to amend the Bill to address the concerns that have been raised.

Last month, we stressed that the to move to a ‘cash to trash’ model for developers was a dangerous plan. We were pleased to see MPs across political parties sharing our concerns and speaking up. Paul Holmes (Conservative) stated his party believe environmental protections are under threat. Ellie Chowns (Green), Chris Hinchliff (Labour) and Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrats) spoke up about the dangers of prioritising offsetting over the prevention of damage to ecosystems. Olivia Blake (Labour) reminded the House of Commons that ‘nature is not a luxury; it is essential. It sustains our health, our economy, our climate and the rich web of wildlife that makes our planet thrive.’ Thank you to all supporters who voiced their concerns to their MPs by sending an email. Your actions encourage them to speak up for nature on behalf of their constituents.

During the Report Stage debate on Wednesday, Matthew Pennycook used an old quote from our Chief Executive, Beccy Speight, to imply current support for ‘the purpose and intent’ of Part 3 of the Bill. When that quote was published many months ago, we had not yet seen the detail of the Bill and believed it had the potential to be a win-win for nature and growth. That is still possible, but as it currently stands, there are major problems in Part 3 that weaken environmental protections.  Our position remains that – without amends – Part 3 must be scrapped.  

We’d like to thank Carla Denyer (Co-leader of the Green Party), who clarified this to the House of Commons during the debate.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in speaking out against Part 3 of the Bill. By contacting your MPs, you have created a wave of public support for nature that couldn’t be ignored. On the back of your campaigning, the Government has recognised the need to strengthen protections for nature in the Bill. However, at this stage, recognition alone is not enough. Until the Bill is amended, we will continue to call for Part 3 to be scrapped.

Later this month, the Bill will start its progress through the House of Lords. If the Government intends to act, this is where the amendments will be made. It’s crucial that we continue to keep speaking up for nature over the coming weeks to ensure our concerns are resolved.

Thousands of people will be heading to Westminster on 9 July 2025, to call on their MP to create a future where nature and people can thrive together. We'd love you to come along! This is an opportunity to talk about the nature and climate issues you care about, like planning. You’ll also get the chance to meet other like-minded nature lovers who are speaking up for nature.