Environment Bill: Lords’ Amendments On Habitats Regulation And Ancient Woodland Passed

On 15 September 2021, the House of Lords passed several further amendments to the Environment Bill 2021-22.

The amendments, which were passed despite government opposition, would:

• Insert a new clause that will limit amendments to the Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (SI 2017/1012) to those that improve environmental protection and have been consulted on
• Insert a new clause requiring the government to set an enhanced protection standard to prevent further loss of ancient woodland in England and prohibit development that causes direct loss to ancient woodland or ancient and veteran trees unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy in place. The amendments will also require a review of the deforestation provisions at the earliest opportunity
• Require conservation covenants to be signed as a deed and to include provisions on the duration of the obligation and the consideration due to the landowner in return for the commitments given.