Summary
A group of UK Members of Parliament (MPs) reported that nature should not be seen as a barrier to building new houses. The Environmental Audit Committee suggested that the government's current plans might not meet housing and nature targets, and emphasized the need for ecology and construction skills. The government has proposed reforms to speed up building homes with measures to improve the environment.
Key Facts
- MPs found that considering nature as a barrier could hinder both housing and nature goals.
- The UK government aims to build 1.5 million houses by 2029.
- The Planning and Infrastructure Bill would change existing habitat protections.
- MPs say current reforms may not help meet targets and urge focus on skills in ecology and construction.
- The government suggests developers can pay into a Nature Restoration Fund to improve different habitats.
- A Ministry official claimed reforms would benefit both the economy and the environment.
- The Environmental Audit Committee recommends incentives for eco-friendly homes and retrofitting existing ones.
