Environment Bill - is no more ...

As the Environment Bill failed to achieve Royal Asset prior to Parliament being dissolved for the General Election, the Bill has ceased to be and its future uncertain as Bills cannot be binding on the incoming Government.

The Environment Bill had sought a range of measures, including to address gaps in environmental protection following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, setting targets for key priorities, and notably for the developers the commitment to achieve a net biodiversity gain of 10% through the planning system.

However, given that the Environmental Bill was unopposed at its second reading it is highly likely to return in one form or another whichever political party wins the election – so it’s a case of wait and watch.