Habitats sites in England have been given more protection against development under the government’s framework for determining the outcome of planning decisions. The update to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) says that development should not be considered suitable if it ‘is likely to have a significant effect on a habitats site’, superseding earlier text which only offered protections following the outcome of a formal assessment. ...

The Natural Capital Committee (NIC) has warned that the Westminster government’s progress on environmental measures has slowed and that action ‘is now very urgent’. The independent body took a surprisingly strong stance in its 'State of Natural Capital' annual report, claiming that very little had been done since the 25 Year Environment Plan was introduced and questioned the efficacy of the draft Environment Bill and the government’s recent co...

Manchester’s tree stock contributes £33m to the economy each year, according to research from City of Trees. The study shows that there are an estimated 11.3m trees in Greater Manchester, 1m of which are in danger of being lost due to pests and disease. For more details, click here.

A report on Manchester’s opportunities for natural capital investment has listed nature-based solutions to flood prevention among its ‘priority investment’ opportunities. Analysis concluded that the likelihood of funding for these schemes would be high considering successful pilot schemes and emerging policy changes. The report was commissioned by the mayor of Greater Manchester last year to establish and provide a plan for natural capital inv...

Andy Burnham has unveiled a 20-year plan for protecting and expanding Greater Manchester’s green infrastructure network. Put forward in an update to the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, the previous version of which was controversially ripped up by the mayor, plans include a new city forest, restoring lowlands and uplands, mass tree planting and partnerships with developers to increase urban green spaces. The consultation closes on 18 Mar...

The government has published proposals to require local authorities in England to consult on plans for tree felling. The consultation presents four measures to help increase transparency and accountability in the process of feeling trees and proposes giving the Forestry Commission more powers to protect wooded areas. The deadline for responding to the consultation is 28 February 2019. For more details, click here.