CHESHIRE Wildlife Trust is calling on the public to challenge major changes to the UK’s planning system which could have devastating results for wildlife.

The charity’s plea comes on the back of reforms outlined in the Government’s Planning for the Future white paper which the trust says will increase the threat to nature in England and do little to create better homes and communities for wildlife and people.

According to the plans land will be sorted into three different categories of ‘growth’, ‘renewal’ and ‘protect’.

The first two will see plans automatically approved, while the latter will remain under the current system. The Trust says this will lead to nature being ‘discounted, overwhelmed and forgotten.’

The Wildlife Trusts national network has teamed up with other environmental charities to ensure that nature is not forgotten under the new proposals.

James Melling, campaigns officer at Cheshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Restoration of our wild space is vital if we are to tackle the current ecological crisis. These spaces need to be bigger, bolder and better connected.

“We welcome the possibility of reform to the planning system, but we need this to be done in a way that works for nature.

“Nature does not fit into three neat categories and the Government’s plan relies on data that doesn’t yet exist.

“If the plans are to work, we will need to see significant levels of funding to help ensure that ecologically valuable land is correctly identified and that the whole system promotes nature’s recovery. We want change but this is not it.”

The reforms will also see a change in the way residents and third parties are consulted.

Under the new system, the public will be able to suggest what land should fit into which category but will not be consulted on developments that fall into either ‘growth’ or ‘renewal’ areas.  

James added: “It is vital that local people and organisations have a say in the planning process. Last year, Cheshire Wildlife Trust responded to dozens of applications to ensure that wildlife was accounted for. If the reforms go ahead as they are, we could see that development-specific safeguard disappear entirely.”

The consultation on the proposed planning reforms runs until October 29.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is calling submit a response and voice any concerns to their councillors and local MP.

More information can be found at wtru.st/do-not-fail-wildlife