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Nature Conservation

Asked by Sir James CleverlyConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 31 March 2026UIN 122690

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the status is of her Department’s review of the definitions of irreplaceable habitats.

Answered by Mary Creagh

Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consulted on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework. That consultation, which can be found on gov.uk here, included a proposal for an updated definition of irreplaceable habitat.

MHCLG is currently analysing the feedback received and will publish a response in due course.

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