MP visit to see nature restoration on a new development
Thursday 13th November was a gloriously sunny late autumn day when the House of Lords amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, something many of us are concerned about, was rejected by the Commons. The amendment would have meant that developers would be compelled to continue to mitigate effects on wildlife and protect nature. However, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, did not recommend his party accept the amendment.
The following day, in the rain and fresh from the defeat, Laura Kyrke-Smith MP for Aylesbury visited Estone Grange, a new development at Aston Clinton, to see for herself how it is feasible to include nature and bio-diversity net gain when planning consent is given. People should have access to nature on their doorstep and wildlife able to live reasonably comfortably with people.
As Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State, Laura was not in a position to vote for the amendment, which the Commons rejected. But she explained it was not the end of the road and that there would be further debates in both Houses. Her visit was timely and she saw for herself how, with thought and dedication, LEMPs (Land Environmental Management Plans) can be made to work post-build. Estone Grange has had the benefit of Chiltern Society volunteer support in the form of the Wild Belt Project and for two years the Lottery funded Wild Belt Manager has supported the Management Company with expertise and volunteers to care for the estate’s wildlife and human residents.
“It is often a case of doing less,” explained Katy, a director of the management company.“In allowing designated areas to grow, flower and seed naturally with the minimal use of mechanical tools and chemicals we have achieved some stunning results. It has taken time for some people to appreciate that this is the way forward, and because we have some amazing volunteers it works.”Perhaps the biggest gain is the number of species of birds. It is also far cheaper to blend volunteers with the employed groundsman and an opportunity for residents to be involved.
Laura noted concerns we made. She may not have that much influence locally; she meets regularly with leaders of Buckinghamshire Council and is fully aware of the challenges we face and pressure felt from rapid development. In the wider scheme of things we must continue to raise concerns and ensure measures to mitigate harm to wildlife are mandatory and enforceable.
To contact Laura about this or any subject email: [email protected]