Planning to fail wildlife?
In 2020, the Government proposed a major overhaul of the planning system, which poses a huge threat to Sussex wildlife.
Development pressure in Sussex is already high and the proposals set out in the two consultations below, would have seen an even bigger drive for new housing, without taking into account our environmental limits. We successfully managed to stop the worst changes to the current planning system, however it is still not clear what overall reforms will look like.
It’s vital that nature is at the heart of the planning system. Click on the links below to find out more about the consultations that ran and the possible outcomes:
The Sussex Wildlife Trust responded to both consultations and we want to thank all of the people who supported us by submitting their own comments and objections.
Sussex Wildlife Trust is not anti-development or against new housing - we know the planning system is not perfect and we do want to see reform, but the 2020 proposals will make a bad situation much worse.
We believe that new homes should be inspiring and beautiful places to live, where people and nature thrive together. We are campaigning for an evidence-based planning system that empowers local communities and protects and enhances the rich biodiversity of Sussex.
In this section
South Downs Local Plan - one week to go to have your say
The South Downs Local Plan - there’s just one week left to have your say
A dark day for nature
We are bitterly disappointed that the Government has rejected the amendments we championed for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Now Biodiversity Net Gain is under threat, before it’s even had a chance to work.
We are bitterly disappointed that the Government has rejected the amendments we championed for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Now Biodiversity Net Gain is under threat, before it’s even had a chance to work.
Planning: the campaign goes on
An incredible number of emails have been sent by defenders of wildlife to MPs, and we need to keep going.
An incredible number of emails have been sent by defenders of wildlife to MPs, and we need to keep going.
It's not nature's fault
Periodically there are threats to nature that are hard to comprehend, and we are facing one of these at the moment, writes Director of Conservation Henri Brocklebank
Periodically there are threats to nature that are hard to comprehend, and we are facing one of these at the moment, writes Director of Conservation Henri Brocklebank
First it was newts, then bats… now it’s snails.
How did these species become the unlikely poster children of an anti-growth narrative?
How did these species become the unlikely poster children of an anti-growth narrative?
Planning and Infrastructure Bill – a disaster for nature
The UK Government vowed to protect and restore nature, but the new bill breaks this promise. Have your say and join us in demanding better for nature.
The UK Government vowed to protect and restore nature, but the new bill breaks this promise. Have your say and join us in demanding better for nature.
Planning and Infrastructure Bill threatens nature
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, as it stands, it could dismantle vital nature safeguards without effective replacement, allowing developers to ‘pay cash to trash’ nature. Please take action today
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, as it stands, it could dismantle vital nature safeguards without effective replacement, allowing developers to ‘pay cash to trash’ nature. Please take action today
Your voice matters in Nature Recovery!
Local Plans are developed by District and Borough councils to identify areas which can be developed for industry, business and housing. Your voice matters and you can take part in these consultations to protect and shape nature in your local areas…
Local Plans are developed by District and Borough councils to identify areas which can be developed for industry, business and housing. Your voice matters and you can take part in these consultations to protect and shape nature in your local areas…
What is a Local Plan Examination in Public?
What is an Local Plan Examination and what part do our conservation team play in them?
What is an Local Plan Examination and what part do our conservation team play in them?
New homes mustn’t cost the earth
Yesterday (30th July), the Government launched an eight-week consultation on their ‘Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system’
Yesterday (30th July), the Government launched an eight-week consultation on their ‘Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system’
Planning for success?
With the right approach it’s possible to meet housing demand and ensure nature’s recovery.
With the right approach it’s possible to meet housing demand and ensure nature’s recovery.