England

Biodiversity should be considered at the earliest stages of planning for residential development in order to encourage wildlife to live there and help to reverse habitat decline, according to a guide published last week (27 April).

Research by planning consultancy Lichfields finds that the Housing Delivery Test is an ‘empty threat’ and it should be given more weight in future planning decisions.

A High Court judge has dismissed a legal challenge that sought to continue local authority remote meetings beyond 6 May.

Peatlands and native UK woodlands have the greatest capacity to store carbon, according to research by Natural England.