Authors: Alison Smith, Natalie Duffus, Wenjing (Wendee) Zhang. 

Changes proposed to England’s planning system are intended to support increased housebuilding and economic growth. In December 2024, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) invited comments on a working paper on development and nature recovery (that this was not a formal public consultation). LCNR submitted its response in February 2025. In it, LCNR welcomed the move to a more strategic approach, but also identifed some significant areas of concern including the risks to natural systems, integration with other policies and weakened protections for habitats and species. LCNR’s main recommendation is that environmental issues must be taken into account earlier in the planning process. There should be a focus on the location and design of new developments, to ensure that they are built around existing natural species and habitats while avoiding damage to those assets. Developers should work with local partners and citizens to bring in their knowledge, views and values, to deliver high quality developments that support flourishing local communities and economies.