The quango that prompted HS2 to build a bat tunnel will be handed new powers to purchase land to offset the damage done to nature by new developments.
Labour’s planning bill will enable Natural England to ‘acquire land compulsorily’ to build nature reserves and other havens for wildlife.
The move to increase the body’s power will cause concern given its boss Tony Juniper recently called for golf courses to be rewilded to protect the environment.
At present, developers must put in place compensation or mitigation for harm done to the environment before being granted planning permission.
Under the changes, they would instead pay into a Nature Restoration Fund which will be overseen by Natural England which will fund projects such as nature reserves or creating nesting habitats for protected species.
The official body will also be given the power to acquire land with the Secretary of State’s permission to put in place measures to conserve nature and develop that land.
HS2 came under fire over the mesh structure at Sheephouse Wood, demanded by Natural England because bats are legally protected in the UK
Labour ’s planning bill will enable Natural England to ‘acquire land compulsorily’ to build nature reserves and other havens for wildlife
Last year, the chair of HS2 Ltd revealed that it is spending £100million on a bat tunnel to appease Natural England because the creatures are protected
Ministers say that this will mean conservation can be completed on a larger scale and in a more strategic way than attempts to mitigate damage project by project.
They claim the measure will help to speed up projects including new wind farms, railways and roads across the country.
Last year, the chair of HS2 Ltd revealed that it is spending £100million on a bat tunnel to appease Natural England because the creatures are protected.
A Tory spokesman said: ‘Gold plating of EU law by Natural England has blocked development across the country so this is deeply concerning. Labour will need full scrutiny as this bill goes through Parliament.’
