The Lords is back next week – and so is the Planning Bill…

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill returns to the Lords next week – and it could reshape how we build homes and deliver infrastructure for decades to come. This is a crucial moment to ensure the planning system works not only for growth, but also for our climate, natural environment, and the health of our communities.

Here at P4P we are preparing for a busy few weeks, as we support Peers to table amendments and build cross-party support to make sure this Bill is not a missed opportunity to deliver on climate and nature goals.

The Government has presented the Bill as central to its growth and clean power missions. It promises faster decisions to deliver 1.5 million new homes and to streamline approvals for major projects. But while there is broad support for a more strategic approach, many experts fear that the legislation risks weakening vital environmental safeguards.

There has been particular concern about Part 3 of the Bill. It proposes sweeping changes to existing environmental rules, including the creation of a new Nature Restoration Fund. Experts warn this could become a “pay to pollute” scheme – allowing damage to habitats to be offset elsewhere, rather than prevented or mitigated before development starts.

The Office for Environmental Protection has cautioned that these reforms risk regression, opening the door to projects that threaten irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodlands and chalk streams.

In response to growing pressure, the Government tabled a package of amendments before the summer recess. Ministers argue these will strengthen the environmental tests for development plans, require best available scientific evidence to inform decisions, and add stronger reporting and back up measures if conservation efforts fall short.

With hundreds of amendments tabled to the Bill - many relating to the environment,  there is strong cross-party support for ensuring the Bill actively drives progress towards climate and nature goals. One proposal from P4P Peers is a statutory duty to ensure that consideration of the UK’s net zero and biodiversity targets and adaptation needs run through all levels of planning. That would mean every decision-making process – whether on housing, energy, or infrastructure – takes into account mitigation, adaptation, and environmental resilience goals. 

P4P Peers are also pushing to strengthen building standards. Amendments tabled would add a new Net Zero buildings standard and would require nature-positive features in homes, ensuring they are energy efficient and resilient for the future.

Adaptation is another key gap. P4P Chair Baroness Willis of Summertown has proposed changes to guarantee access to green and blue spaces in major new housing developments. Other amendments would stop new homes being built on flood plains and strengthen resilience to future flooding.

The coming weeks in the Lords will be critical in determining whether Peers can reshape the Bill into legislation that speeds up development, while aligning planning with the UK’s climate and nature commitments – so that we can build healthier, more resilient communities and infrastructure.

Committee Stage resumes in the House of Lords on Monday 1 September. P4P will continue to brief, support, and work with Peers to ensure climate and nature are front and centre. We’ll be sharing updates as the Bill progresses - look out for these on our website and our socials Twitter | Bsky | LinkedIn