More than 100 conservationists urge Burnham to halt planning changes that let developers bypass nature laws

Over 100 conservationists, scientists, and celebrities have signed a letter demanding the UK government withdraw environmental delivery plans that could allow developers to sidestep biodiversity protections for as little as £1.

• The letter, signed by Stephen Fry and Chris Packham, calls on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to immediately halt the rollout of environmental delivery plans (EDPs) introduced through the Planning and Infrastructure Act.
• The House of Lords will debate the nature restoration levy regulations 2026 on Wednesday, with a motion introduced to withdraw the regulations.
• Planning lawyer Alexa Culver submitted that the regulations give the secretary of state unchecked power to set the EDP payment rate as low as £1 without consulting Natural England or the developer.
• A government spokesperson said the planning system must deliver for both nature and people, and that EDPs will secure better environmental outcomes by actively restoring habitats.