Planning reforms put precious habitats and wildlife at risk, nature groups warn

Conservation groups warn habitat such as ancient woodland are at risk from planning reforms (Alamy/PA) -

New planning reforms could push species towards extinction and destroy precious habitats, the UK’s leading nature organisations have warned.

The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill could allow developers to effectively disregard environmental rules and community concerns, increasing the risk of sewage in rivers, flooding and loss of valued woods and parks, they said.