Point the finger not at the daylight, not at the starlight, not at the pleasant moments, but accuse the bats instead
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In the latest development, the Government has introduced the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which, if passed, will potentially override existing habitat protections and propose a central Nature restoration fund. This move has stirred a wave of concern among environmentalists, charities, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
The proposed bill is likely to affect a multitude of creatures in biodiversity hotspots, including riverine and woodland creatures. Two species that have caught the attention of many are bats and newts, both being biodiversity indicators. Bats, ardently insectivorous, are excellent pest controllers in agriculture, while newts snack on insects that carry human and livestock diseases.
The Government's stance on the matter is evident in the £100 million 'bat tunnel' in Buckinghamshire, which they cite as an example of hindrances caused by Nature laws in the construction of HS2. However, critics argue that the effectiveness of offset schemes and the potential use of land for homes and roads instead of eco-restoration are questionable.
Rachel Reeves, a Labour figure, has been vocal about her criticisms, blaming wildlife protections for hindering the construction of HS2, specifically mentioning bats and snails. This viewpoint was also shared by the Treasury, which is reportedly considering adding more environmental rules to be removed, along with potential demotion of protection for species rare in the UK but common elsewhere in Europe, such as newts.
However, it's worth noting that in the past year, there are no specific reports of environmental protection organizations in England identifying planning objection cases involving floodplains ("Neunauen") or bats. None of the retrieved sources mention such cases in England related to these topics.
The Labour government aims to construct 1.5 million new homes in England, a goal that aligns with the Chancellor's vested interest in boosting economic growth through the Labour's house-building program. Developers, under the proposed Bill, would pay into a central Nature restoration fund.
This delicate balance between housing needs and wildlife protection has sparked debates among various parties. We need houses, especially affordable ones in rural areas, but there is a danger of being insensitive to wildlife protection in the process.
The article first appeared in the September 17 issue of "our platform", a glossy weekly magazine that has been guest-edited by His Majesty The King. "our platform" is unique as it celebrates modern rural life and offers a diverse mix of content, including property news, gardening, arts, and interior design. The magazine, first published in Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee year, continues to provide insightful discussions on such pressing issues.
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