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Roads: Biodiversity

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 28 November 2025UIN 93219

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the potential impact of biodiversity net gain requirements on the cost of non completed strategic road network improvement projects since the implementation of the relevant legislation, by schemes within Road Investment Strategy (a) two and (b) three.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

Mandatory biodiversity net gain requirements for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects will apply from May 2026. The 16 National Highways road enhancement schemes that already have development consent, along with one scheme awaiting a decision expected in February 2026, are not therefore within scope of mandatory biodiversity net gain.

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