Home → Updates → Legal → The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 8 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2024
The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 8 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2024
Jurisdiction: United Kingdom / England
Commencement: 12th February 2024
Amends:
- Environment Act 2021
- Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Mini Summary
The Environment Act 2021 aims to improve air and water quality, tackle waste, improve biodiversity and make other environmental improvements.
Duties
Various duties apply.
Amendment
Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Biodiversity gain plan
Applications for planning permission in England must now be accompanied by a biodiversity gain plan. This must include information on:
- steps taken to minimise adverse effects on biodiversity;
- the biodiversity value of the site;
- the expected biodiversity value* of the site following the development; and
- whether any biodiversity credits have been purchased.
*The biodiversity value of the site is measured using the biodiversity metric.
Licences
Additional conditions may be imposed on licences in England. Organisations may now be required to:
- conserve or enhance the environment; and
- maintain this enhancement for a minimum of 30 years.
Enhancements must increase the biodiversity value of the site.
These Regulations do not apply to developments where an application was made before 12th February 2024.
Environment Act 2021
The following sections come into force on 12th February 2024.
- Section 98 (Biodiversity gain as condition of planning permission).
- Section 100 (Biodiversity gain site register).
- Section 101 (Biodiversity credits).
- Schedule 14.
Minor technical changes are made to:
- insert additional conditions for planning permission under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990; and
- allow for the introduction of biodiversity credits.
There are no changes to duties for organisations.
The Legislation Update Service is the best way to stay up to date automatically with legislation in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Sign up for your free trial to get instant access.
These summaries (The Compliance People Materials) are provided free of charge as an example of the Legislation Update Service’s content. They are not intended to constitute legal advice for any specific situation. The Compliance People Materials are general and educational in nature and may not apply to the specific facts and circumstances of individual cases. The Compliance People does not accept any responsibility for action taken by you or any User as a result of any The Compliance People Materials provided by us. You should take specific legal advice when dealing with specific situations.