Summary
The UK government is considering changes to environmental rules to help small housebuilders in England. These changes would make it easier and cheaper for them to build houses while still protecting wildlife. The goal is to speed up house-building and meet targets by simplifying the planning system, especially for minor developments.
Key Facts
- The government is reviewing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) rules, which require developers to improve wildlife habitats when building houses.
- The focus is on reducing costs for small housebuilders and simplifying the planning process.
- Small developments, up to nine homes, might face less strict BNG rules.
- Sites with 10 to 49 homes could be exempt from a tax used to fix unsafe building materials.
- The government aims to build 1.5 million homes in England by 2030, but recent figures show progress is slow.
- BNG became mandatory in England in February 2021 and requires a 10% improvement in biodiversity over 30 years.
- There are concerns that easing rules might weaken environmental protections.
- The Home Builders Federation supports changes but points out challenges like planning resources and guidance.
