Homes may be restricted from being built unless local council members approve eco-friendly initiatives.

In a move that has sparked controversy, Natural England's decision to block new housing developments in over 330 designated areas across the country has been accused of preventing up to 145,000 homes from being built. This decision, while aimed at preserving the environment, has come under scrutiny as the public demands the government to improve the environment, particularly in light of the government's plans of becoming net-zero by 2050.

The government's legally committed goal is to halt and reverse the decline in nature and improve the environment. To this end, Natural England is reviewing 'mitigation measures' to limit emissions with new properties in these designated areas. This review is being chaired by Tony Juniper, former head of Friends of the Earth, who stated that mitigating the impact of pollution sources is necessary to achieve this goal.

Meanwhile, the government is also examining potential mitigation schemes for developments at Nature 2000 sites, protected areas that include the New Forest and Rochdale Canal in Greater Manchester. DEFRA, the department responsible for this examination, is working towards meeting the government's commitment to improve the environment.

However, the implementation of these measures has not been without opposition. Five conservative councils (Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, Hillingdon, and Surrey) have challenged the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) expansion at the High Court. The ULEZ expansion, such as the one planned for the Epping Forest district of Essex from 2025, has sparked a backlash, with concerns raised about its impact on families and tradespeople who rely on driving.

In the current climate of need for new affordable homes, this decision may not be met with open arms. However, it is important to note that homes are currently responsible for 20% of global emissions. The new approach aims to mitigate the impact of pollution sources, a necessary step towards a sustainable future.

The authorities responsible for approving designs for environmentally compatible projects in these protected areas are typically the specialized conservation and environmental regulatory bodies, such as Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, and NatureScot. The local authority in the Epping Forest district was advised by Natural England to introduce measures to tackle air pollution before proceeding with the ULEZ expansion.

As the debate continues, it is clear that striking a balance between housing development and environmental preservation will be a key challenge for the government. The path towards a sustainable and net-zero future will undoubtedly involve difficult decisions, but the long-term benefits for both the environment and the population as a whole make it a worthwhile endeavour.