Image description: A child’s hands holding a newt. Image by Matthias Gellissen on Unsplash 

Peers in the House of Lords have called for stronger statutory duties to embed climate adaptation and water environment resilience into the UK’s planning system, during the latest debate on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Peers voted resoundingly for an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that would force developers to protect the habitats of wildlife on the land they hope to build on. The proposed legislation, currently at Report Stage, aims to streamline development processes while responding to environmental challenges. 

A key amendment tabled by Lord Ravensdale sought to introduce a new clause requiring both the Secretary of State and planning authorities to give special regard to climate mitigation and adaptation when preparing national and local planning policies. The amendment explicitly referenced the need to align with the UK’s 2050 net zero target, carbon budgets under the Climate Change Act 2008, and environmental targets under the Environment Act 2021. It also included provisions for addressing risks identified in the latest climate change risk assessment and objectives from the national flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy (Hansard). 

Lord Ravensdale argued that elevating climate and nature duties within planning law would “upweight” their influence in decision-making, helping local authorities deliver sustainable infrastructure and developments. He noted that similar duties have already been adopted by regulators such as Ofwat and the Crown Estate, without triggering litigation concerns (Hansard). 

Lord Krebs supported the amendment, highlighting the urgent need to future-proof buildings against overheating and extreme weather. He cited recent correspondence with the government indicating that only half of new homes built in 2025 would be resilient to overheating, despite rising climate risks. He called for stronger building regulations and planning guidance to prevent long-term vulnerabilities in housing stock (Hansard). 

Baroness Taylor, responding on behalf of the government, acknowledged the importance of climate and water resilience but argued that existing legislation, including the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and the Environment Act 2021, already requires authorities to consider these factors. She confirmed that updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) are planned before the end of the year, and invited further engagement on proposed wording (Hansard). 

The debate also touched on biodiversity, with Lord Blencathra warning that nature recovery must not be overshadowed by climate concerns. He referenced the UK’s legally binding targets to halt species decline by 2030 and stressed the role of local nature recovery strategies under the Environment Act. 

While the government resisted placing new duties in primary legislation, several peers emphasised that clearer statutory obligations could help local authorities navigate complex planning decisions and deliver long-term environmental outcomes. The Bill continues its passage through Parliament, with further scrutiny expected on its environmental provisions.