Peers defeat government bid to scrap nutrient neutrality rules for developers

Peers last week defeated the government’s amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill which would have scrapped nutrient neutrality rules for developers.

Labour allied with the Liberal Democrats, Greens and others under the leadership of Green Party peer Jenny Jones, to defeat the change by 203 votes to 156. Parliamentary procedure means MPs get no further say on the issue.

Environmental campaigners, who had balked at what amounted to a major weakening of environmental legislation, reacted with delight as the rules requiring developers to offset any extra nutrient pollution they cause in sensitive areas under the habitats directive were saved.

Shadow deputy prime minister Angela Rayner described the government’s approach as “reckless” and said Labour stands ready work with all parties on housebuilding solution that is not detrimental to the natural environment.