The Labour party has rejected an amendment to require new homes to include swift bricks for cavity-nesting birds, which had been previously supported under Conservative legislation. This move has sparked backlash from wildlife activists like Hannah Bourne-Taylor, who argues that swift bricks align with the government's eco-friendly objectives. Despite a significant public petition for the initiative, housing minister Matthew Pennycook stated that mandating specific wildlife features isn't the right approach. The controversy reflects a growing distrust among voters towards government commitments to support wildlife conservation amid urban development.
The Labour-dominated committee rejected an amendment to mandate swift bricks for new homes, despite previous support, raising concerns on wildlife protection versus development regulations.
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook expressed doubts on legislating specific wildlife features in building regulations, stating they are not convinced it's the appropriate method to support wildlife.
Activist Hannah Bourne-Taylor criticized the government's refusal to mandate swift bricks, arguing that they align with the aim of benefiting both the economy and nature.
A petition for making swift bricks mandatory has gained 80,000 signatures, highlighting public demand for measures to protect declining migratory birds in new housing.
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