The Planning White Paper, published on 21 May 2007, paves the way for a multiple assault on wildlife, according to Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT).

Keen to speed up the development of major infrastructure projects (MIPs), the Government’s White Paper recommends an independent commission to take charge of the planning process for large-scale developments such as new runways, road widening schemes and nuclear power stations.

“For Sussex this could result in another runway at Gatwick.” says
Dr Tony Whitbread, Chief Executive of SWT. “Decisions on MIPs - including Gatwick - will be fast-tracked behind closed doors by a national unelected and potentially unaccountable body. This weakens our democracy and limits local involvement in decision making – local wildlife defenders will no longer have an automatic right to comment on planning proposals which affect wildlife close to where they live.”

Dr Whitbread continues “Far from tackling global warming, the Government’s proposal to speed up MIPs, such as roads and airports, will increase carbon emissions and devastate wildlife as it struggles to adapt to climate change”

Other blows to biodiversity, as proposed in the White Paper include

• undermining embryonic government plans for protecting marine life as set out in a new Marine White Paper. 50% of Sussex wildlife lives under the sea but only 0.001% of the sea around Britain is protected.

• less protection for nationally and internationally important wildlife sites; the new White Paper could override existing systems to protect our most important places.

• the construction of more barriers, such as motorways, means wildlife faces an even great challenge in moving and adapting to climate change.
  

Dr Whitbread says, “What is needed now is not a backlash against sensible protection of our most important assets, but the smart use of planning so protection and prosperity go hand in hand.”

SWT, as part of The Wildlife Trusts, is a member of a coalition of leading environmental and social organisations which have come together out of deep concern over the Government’s proposed planning reforms. Members include the Campaign to Protect Rural England, RSPB, Friends of the Earth, the Civic Trust, Transport 2000, the Ramblers’ Association, the New Economics Foundation and the National Trust.
ENDS
Image: Dr Tony Whitbread

Dr Tony Whitbread is available for comment on Friday 25 May from 11am. Please contact Press Officer Amanda Solomon (01273 497523) if you would like to arrange an interview.