Warnings over NPPF on World Habitat Day
Proposed changes to UK planning rules may not protect the UK's natural environment, warns CIWEM as UN focuses on the plights of the world's habitats.
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) has openly criticised the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) since it was published in July and is now arguing it has “serious doubts” over the framework’s ability to protect ecosystems services crucial to the economy.
CIWEM’s executive director, Nick Reeves argues that the NPPF’s approach will not help to revitalise fragmented UK habitats.
“The NPPF reduces the environment to a series of discrete protected areas rather than a dynamic set of ecosystems interacting with our built environment,” he said.
“At the current speed of the planning reforms, England looks set on a trajectory of increasing biodiversity loss and fragmentation, further reducing the ability of this nation’s ecosystems to undertake the valuable services they provide threatening our natural heritage.”
Reeves comments came as organisations across the globe take part in events celebrating UN World Habitat Day, which this year is themed on cities and climate change. Kicked off by a ceremony hosted by the Mexican government, UN representatives will be discussing the UN State of the World’s Cities Report 2010-2011, and its Global Report on Human Settlements 2011.
Winners of the World Habitat Awards will be announced later today.