Council takes action to protect nature and local voices following proposed changes to government planning bill
West Oxfordshire District Council has written to the Government to raise key concerns about parts of the proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill, calling for changes to protect nature, maintain local decision-making, and support fair and effective planning.
The letter highlights the importance of keeping local oversight of environmental protections. Proposed changes in the Bill could mean decisions about species and habitat protection are made nationally, rather than by those with local knowledge.
There are also concerns that the new Nature Restoration Levy, a charge developers would pay to offset damage to nature, and Environmental Delivery Plans, which are meant to guide how that money is used, are unclear and may not properly link up with existing rules like Biodiversity Net Gain, which already requires developers to improve nature as part of new projects.
Councillor Hugo Ashton, Executive Member for Planning, said: “People in West Oxfordshire care deeply about our communities and the environment, and they expect planning decisions to be made fairly, locally and with nature in mind.
“While we agree with many of the proposed changes to planning rules, we feel that we need to keep a balance between decision making that protects our communities and speeds up development. Some of the proposed changes we feel go too far in missing the value of local input.
Councillor Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, said: “We’ve already shown how local input can improve developments without holding them up. Through our partnership with NatureSpace, we’ve helped protect species like great crested newts while enabling developments to move forward with confidence. It’s a clear example of how local knowledge and collaboration can deliver the right outcomes for both communities and the environment.
“That’s the message we’ve taken to ministers and MPs, to push for a planning system that protects what makes this area special, not just for now, but for future generations too.”
The Council is asking the Government to make new planning rules clearer and easier to understand, so everyone knows what they mean and how they will work. It also wants decisions and funding to stay close to communities, where people know the area best. This would make the system quicker, more open and fairer because councils can respond faster and involve residents directly in decisions that affect them. Teams in West Oxfordshire already work with developers to make sure the right homes are built in the right places while protecting the environment. With clear rules and fair funding, the Council can keep delivering what people have asked for, including cleaner rivers, more trees, thriving wildlife and well-planned homes that meet community needs.
Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “By speaking up now, the Council is making sure the voices of West Oxfordshire residents are heard where decisions are made. The aim is simple: to secure planning rules that protect nature, keep communities involved, and support sustainable growth. The Council will continue to work constructively with Government to ensure national policy reflects local priorities and safeguards the district for future generations.”