More than 170 environmental organisations have written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer warning that government plans to weaken protections for England's national parks, including Dartmoor and the Lake District, will have 'disastrous consequences' for nature. The Treasury, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, is reportedly pushing for changes to planning law to make it easier for developers to build houses and infrastructure projects in these protected areas.
The proposed amendment to the planning bill would remove a key duty on councils and public bodies to protect and enhance nature and wildlife within national parks. Currently, these bodies must 'seek to further' the statutory aims of national parks, which include conserving natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage. The duty, introduced in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, was supported by Labour while in opposition.
Rose O'Neill, chief executive of the Campaign for National Parks, said there was no evidence that the duty was hindering growth and called the proposal a 'kneejerk reaction' without public consultation. She appealed to Starmer, who has often spoken of his love for the Lake District, to intervene. The letter, signed by groups including the RSPB, Wildlife Trusts, and National Trust, notes that national parks attract 245 million visitors annually and contribute £36bn to the economy.
A government spokesperson denied that such changes were being discussed, but sources indicate ministers have until Monday to table amendments. The Guardian recently reported that the UK ranks among the worst in Europe for sacrificing green space to development, with thousands of English nature sites at risk under Labour's planning proposals.
