Environment Bill passes second reading

The government’s Environment Bill 2019-20 has moved a step closer to becoming law, has passed its second reading by MPs unopposed and will now move on to committee stage. It aims to introduce significant changes to laws on air quality, water resources, waste management, nature improvement and chemicals as well as introducing biodiversity gain. Under schedule 7A of the bill, developers would need to submit a biodiversity gain plan to a local authority before seeking planning permission. Read more