Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP has announced new expectations on how developers can protect specific species, including using ‘hedgehog highways’ and hollow swift bricks in new build homes.
The guidance, published yesterday, builds on the government’s planning rulebook adopted last year to include a section of how Biodiversity Net Gain can be achieved in development.
Work involved may, for example, involve creating new habitats, enhancing existing habitats, providing green roofs, green walls, street trees or sustainable drainage systems.
Communities Secretary, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, said:
“Building the new homes this country needs must not come at the detriment of our natural heritage. It’s right that as we deliver houses for people, we must also provide homes for wildlife too – whether that’s for hedgehogs, frogs, newts or birds. The public have told us that protecting wildlife is important to them – so my message to house builders is to harness this support and get building in a way that protects the environment for the next generation.”
The guidance also covers Environmental Net Gain which aims to to reduce pressure on and achieve overall improvements in natural capital, ecosystem services and the benefits they deliver.