The recent decision by the government to reject an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill aimed at safeguarding England's rare chalk streams is nothing short of a national disgrace. The amendment had cross-party support but the Labour MPs on the committee examining the Bill voted against it. These streams, of which England hosts 85% of the world's total (and Dorset about 10% of these), are irreplaceable ecosystems currently in peril due to pollution and over-abstraction. With only 37% rated as being in good ecological condition it is vital that they receive the highest levels of protection.
This rejection demonstrates a troubling disregard for the natural environment and wildlife. The proposed amendment sought to grant these globally significant habitats the highest level of legal protection within the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill. The MPs have also rejected an amendment to embed protection for irreplaceable habitats and the bill now looks likely to permit developers to offset environmental harm through payments into a restoration fund, without the safeguards needed to preserve unique and irreplaceable ecosystems like chalk streams, ancient woodland and fens.
The broader context is equally alarming. Only 16% of England's rivers, canals, and surface waters achieve good ecological status, and none meet good chemical status. Furthermore, more than 90% of freshwater habitats on England’s most precious rivers are in unfavourable condition, blighted by pollution throughout their catchments - be this fertilisers, sewage, pesticides or plastics, modified by drainage, dredging and concreting in the banks and their water abstracted to unsustainable levels.
This decision by MPs not only undermines efforts to protect our natural heritage but also signals a willingness to compromise environmental integrity for short-term development gains. It reflects a profound lack of awareness and concern for nature, raising serious questions about the commitment of our elected officials to uphold environmental protections.
Whilst the government says the Bill is not the right place to create such protections and they are committed to restoring and improving chalk streams, in an era where environmental degradation poses existential threats, such legislative choices are indefensible. The rejection of protection for chalk streams and other irreplaceable habitats is a strong reminder of the urgent need for political accountability and genuine commitment to preserving our natural ecosystems.
Dorset Wildlife Trust is urging MPs to support amendments that will help safeguard nature in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. You can add your voice to supporting these safeguards by co-signing The Wildlife Trusts' Open Letter.
