Lancashire Wildlife Trust slams government's investment zones

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has slammed proposed ‘investment zones’ and says they could threaten wildlife and nature across the country.

Investment zones are areas of accelerated development that aim to drive growth and unlock housing.

The government will work with the administrations and local partners to introduce investment zones across the UK.

The LWT is worried that wildlife habitats and species will come under threat as the government pledge to “remove red tape that slows down development” in order to take the investments forward.

Potential investment zone areas in Lancashire. (Photo:Lancashire Wildlife Trust) (Image: Lancashire Wildlife Trust)

A spokesperson said: “We believe the UK government has launched a full-scale attack on nature – leaving wildlife unprotected by tearing up some of the most fundamental laws we’ve got.

“Applicants for investment zones may not need to avoid development on local, national or European protected wildlife sites.

“The government has invited Blackpool Council and Lancashire Council to pitch new investment zones.

“This they claim ‘will accelerate the housing and infrastructure the UK needs to drive economic growth. They will cut back unnecessary bureaucratic requirements and processes and red tape that slow down development.’

“Few details are available of the exact ‘processes’ under threat but as wildlife legislation is often seen as a barrier, we suspect that this could be removed.”

The LWT argues their wildlife and natural systems and already “in crisis” and say the investment zones could make the situation worse.

The spokesperson added: “Wildlife and our natural systems are in crisis and this proposal could make the situation worse.

“This hard-won protection is there for a reason and without it; wildlife habitat and species disappear fast.

“Councils have until just October 14 to apply to host an investment zone meaning applications will be rushed without a full understanding of the implications.

“Please write to your MP and let them know you won't stand for this."

The National Trust has also raised concerns over the investment zones and says the government will “rip up critical nature protections and remove planning regulations”.

The conservation charity has urged Prime Minister Liz Truss to commit to “green” plans for growing the economy and has set out seven “red lines” it does not want government policies to breach.

It comes after the charity’s director-general Hilary McGrady expressed concern about the Government lifting the fracking ban imposed in 2019 and possibly relaxing planning rules in new “investment zones”, The Sunday Times reported.

She is also reportedly concerned for the future of hundreds of environmental regulations after Ms Truss’s Conservative Party conference declaration that “by the end of the year, all EU-inspired red tape will be history” raised fears.

However, a government spokesperson said claims that they intend to go back on their commitment to the environment are “simply not right".

They said: “We are committed to halting the decline of nature by 2030 and will not undermine our obligations to the environment in pursuit of growth.

“A strong environment and a strong economy go hand-in-hand.

“We have legislated through the Environment Act and will continue to improve our regulations and wildlife laws in line with our ambitious vision. We want every corner of our country to prosper too.

“Bureaucratic processes in the planning system do not necessarily protect the environment so, by making sure we have the right regulations for our nation, we can make this happen.”

They argue that “investment zones” are not being imposed by the government, suggesting they will not be designated in national parks or protected areas but will be bound by national green belt policy, and that successful areas must agree to mitigate any environmental impacts.