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The ongoing debate over environmental regulations in the UK has intensified, as conservationist Chris Packham accused Chancellor Rachel Reeves of unfairly blaming bats for hindering economic development. Reeves recently remarked that businesses should prioritize construction over concerns related to wildlife, specifically mentioning bats and newts. In a press release outlining her regulatory changes, Reeves referenced bats multiple times, even indicating a directive to Natural England to remove guidance from the Bat Conservation Trust concerning planning documents, which she claims contributes to bureaucratic delays.
Packham criticized this approach, questioning its credibility and impact. “It’s absolutely absurd,” he stated, emphasizing the need for transparency about how many planning requests are denied due to bats. He speculated that such instances likely represent a minuscule proportion of total planning applications, hinting that the issue may be overstated.
Bats have been protected under EU law since the habitats directive was established in 1992. This legislation, which safeguards numerous endangered species including bats, dormice, and otters, requires that their habitats remain undisturbed unless compensatory measures are taken. The persistent protection of these species is a win for environmental advocates who fought to ensure their survival.
Bats often become focal points in planning dilemmas due to their habitats being located in close proximity to human residences. These creatures frequently roost in buildings, prompting construction projects to consider their presence. When developers propose new constructions, they’re required to conduct surveys that assess the impact on bat habitats, and if necessary, implement measures to safeguard them.
The government’s recent announcement, which includes Reeves’s plans for a “radical shake-up” of regulations, aims to eliminate what it labels unnecessary red tape. Officials argue that navigating lengthy guidelines related to bat habitats should not be a barrier for small development projects such as converting garages.
However, conservationists like Packham contend that it is entirely feasible to accommodate bats within development plans. He highlighted that he has personally managed to integrate bat-friendly features into his construction projects with ease.
Notably, Packham pointed out that bats are unjustly targeted in this discourse, primarily because of their elusive nature. “They chose bats because they’re largely unseen and unengaged with by the public,” he asserted, noting that other more visible wildlife, such as hedgehogs or squirrels, have not been subjected to the same criticism.
The UK is home to 18 bat species, all of which enjoy legal protection. These creatures are vital to their ecosystems and serve as indicators of environmental health; their decline often foreshadows troubles for other wildlife. Bats are particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation, quality fluctuations, and climate change, and their populations are inextricably linked to those of insects, their primary food source.
While bats can be shy, many individuals may encounter them in various settings during dusk, as they inhabit diverse landscapes across the UK, including wetlands, forests, and urban environments. Alarmingly, among the 11 British mammal species classified as critically endangered, four are bats, with additional species facing near-threatened status.
Packham expressed concern that Reeves’s controversial stance on wildlife conservation could misfire politically. He remarked, “It’s a PR disaster for Labour,” emphasizing that public affection for wildlife transcends political affiliations, with organizations like the RSPB boasting more members than all political parties combined.
Recent changes will also lead to the removal of references to the Bat Conservation Trust’s survey guidelines from official planning documents, a move that has raised eyebrows. Kit Stoner, CEO of the Trust, expressed surprise over this decision, stressing that the guidelines are essential for best practices and should not be disregarded without adequate consultation.
One high-profile example associated with the controversy is the £100 million bat tunnel constructed for the HS2 rail project. Critics argue that this was an excessive measure that was never originally sought by wildlife advocates, who would have preferred alternative methods for habitat protection.
Craig Bennett, CEO of the Wildlife Trusts, reinforced this sentiment, clarifying that the law does not necessitate such drastic actions as a bat tunnel. Instead, he stated that HS2’s focus should have been on habitat preservation and avoiding disturbances during the rail line’s planning phase.
As the situation develops, conservation groups are contemplating legal action against the government’s deregulation efforts. Packham affirmed their commitment to counter these plans, stating, “We will fight it if there’s any legal ground.”
Source
www.theguardian.com