Angela Rayner savaged over 'out of touch' plan as huge warning issued

Labour's planning reforms are "out of touch" with the public's demand for nature, charities have warned. Environment groups have urged the Governmentto listen to concerns about its Planning and Infrastructure Bill and make changes needed to protect and restore nature.

Very few members of the public believe wildlife restrictions were contributing to building delays, a YouGov poll found. Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: "Anyone peddling the idea that nature is a blocker to development is out of touch. Wildlife and planning experts have known for a long time that nature laws don't stand in the way of development. "

"Now it's clear that the public know it too and won't stand for bats, newts, spiders or any other wildlife being made a scapegoat for failures in the planning system.

"Nature is clearly a top public priority for development, so Government should take note and make sure our need for nature is reflected in its planning reforms. The Planning Bill should be amended bring it in line with public demand for environmentally-positive, responsible development."

The Government hopes the Bill will make it easier to streamline construction to meet its target of 1.5 million new homes by the end of this Parliament

Of those who said they are concerned that infrastructure developments are being built too slowly (26%), very few members of the public (only 1%) felt that the reason for this is wildlife restrictions being too strict - this was the least cited factor for delays.

Respondents were much more likely to blame developers delaying to benefit from future price rises (29%) and objections from local communities (22%).

Darren Moorcroft, CEO of the Woodland Trust said: "We are calling on government to listen to the British public and swiftly add amendments to the Bill that will protect our priceless, ancient trees and woodlands, before irreversible damage is done to our towns, cities and landscapes. We are asking them to work with us to add key safeguards for our natural environment while delivering the sustainable development England needs."

Green groups have warned that any commitments required of developers to restore and improve nature will not be guaranteed to benefit the communities who lost their local natural spaces.

Compensation could take place miles away or even in another county.

The Office for Environmental Protection in May warned that the Bill, which is set to return to the Lords for its committee stage later this month, will reduce environmental protections.

A Government spokesman said: "The government inherited an unprecedented housing crisis and a failing planning system which delayed new homes and infrastructure while doing nothing for nature's recovery.

"But our landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill will deliver a win-win for the economy and nature by unblocking building and economic growth while delivering meaningful environmental improvements."