What might Labour’s housing plans mean for biodiversity? Seminar followed by Q&A and nibbles! In person only - all welcome!
Labour's Planning and Infrastructure Bill introduces the concept of a "grey belt," aiming to reclassify certain Green Belt areas to facilitate housing development.
While intended to address housing shortages, these reforms have raised concerns about potential impacts on biodiversity.
Wildlife organisations highlight that the bill could weaken protections for species such as newts, bats, beavers, dormice, and otters. Additionally, the proposed "nature restoration levy" may allow developers to offset environmental obligations through payments, potentially undermining the mitigation hierarchy and the polluter pays principle.
This seminar will explore the implications of these reforms on biodiversity and discuss strategies to balance housing needs with environmental conservation.
Chair:
Matthew Stanton – Director of External Affairs and Landscape Recovery at BBOWT. A former environmental lawyer, he brings a policy and legal perspective to conservation and planning, particularly around the Green Belt.
Panelists:
Dr. Richard Grenyer – Associate Professor in Biodiversity and Biogeography at the University of Oxford, Tutor at Jesus College. His work explores the spatial dimensions of biodiversity and contributes to global conservation strategies.
Professor John Sturzaker – Ebenezer Howard Professor of Planning at the University of Hertfordshire. He specializes in sustainable and community planning, and has published widely on the topic of green belts in the UK.
Councillor Anna Railton – Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford and Climate Justice. She leads Oxford City Council’s work on climate action and the Local Plan 2040, with a strong focus on equity and environmental integration.
Registration: http://bit.ly/4jvMLDF
