Developers met ministers dozens of times over planning bill while ecologists were shut out

"The government's planning bill will reach its final stages before it is given royal assent in the coming days, after months of tussling between ministers, nature groups and ecologists. The government has promised to rip up the rules to allow 1.5m homes to be built by the end of this parliament as part of its push for growth. As last-minute wrangling over the reforms continues, peers have secured a key amendment that would ensure species such as dormice, nightingales and hedgehogs,"

"She urged MPs to vote for the amended bill next week. It provides a pragmatic way out of what are the real things that are blocking development and is a win-win amendment because it will help developers build houses, but also means that the vast majority of nature, the things the public really care about, will be protected, she said."

Government published the planning and infrastructure bill in March to accelerate housing growth and loosen environmental rules. Chancellor Rachel Reeves and housing minister Matthew Pennycook met dozens of developers before and after publication. The body representing professional ecologists has not secured any ministerial meeting despite requests. The bill aims to enable 1.5m homes by the end of the parliament. Peers secured an amendment to protect species such as dormice, nightingales and hedgehogs and habitats including wetlands and ancient woodlands. Katherine Willis said the amendment reduces risk to nature while aiding developers. Government has whipped MPs against amendments and suspended one Labour MP.

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