Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help protect kelp forests in UK waters.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The UK recognises the important role that habitats such as kelp can play in preventing biodiversity loss, supporting healthy ecosystems and adaptation to climate change.

In England, we have a comprehensive network of 181 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and kelp can be found in some of these making up part of our key reef biotopes. Our focus is on ensuring these MPAs are effectively managed to allow the designated features, including those covering kelp, to achieve favourable condition.

Natural England are actively involved in the study and conservation of kelp forests in England. This work includes conducting dive surveys to monitor the condition of kelp forests, which can inform conservation action and help safeguard the long-term health of these ecosystems.

Defra set up the UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership in partnership with DESNZ and the Devolved Governments to address evidence gaps around blue carbon habitats, including kelp. Defra is providing over £600,000 this financial year towards research into blue carbon, £36,000 of which is specifically directed towards macroalgae, including kelp. Defra also worked with a number of partners to produce regulatory guidance for seaweed aquaculture in England for those considering kelp aquaculture.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of rhododendron sales on woodland (a) management and (b) restoration.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra has not conducted a formal assessment specifically regarding the impact of rhododendron sales on woodland management or restoration. However, the Department recognises that Rhododendron ponticum is a highly invasive non-native species that poses a serious threat to woodland ecosystems. Its dense growth suppresses native vegetation, inhibits natural regeneration, and acts as a host for Phytophthora ramorum, a tree disease that affects a wide range of species. These ecological impacts significantly complicate woodland management and restoration efforts.

To support woodland owners in controlling and removing rhododendron, Defra provides funding through the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme, specifically the SB6: Rhododendron Control capital item. This offers payments of up to £5,500 per hectare, depending on site conditions, to cover the cost of cutting, treating, and disposing of rhododendron. Applicants must submit a management plan and follow strict protocols to prevent regrowth and disease spread.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of mandating a minimum aftercare period for trees planted as a condition of planning permissions for new homes.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that planning policies and decisions should ensure that appropriate measures are in place to secure the long-term maintenance of newly-planted trees.

The National Design Guide, which supports the Framework, adds that management and maintenance regimes should be considered from the early stages of the design process and documented in a management plan.

A Local Planning Authority can attach conditions to the grant of planning permission. These could be used to secure the implementation and protection of trees within a development. If a development has been carried out without complying with any associated planning conditions, local planning authorities have a range of planning enforcement powers which they can use to tackle alleged breaches of planning control.

Planning authorities can also use planning obligations to restrict or prescribe the use of land, require specific activities to be carried out in relation to a development, and require payment to a local authority. Planning obligations could include requiring a developer to make payments towards the management and maintenance of trees.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if his Department will make an assessment of the number of new trees required as part of planning permissions which are (a) never planted and (b) not maintained for the required period of time.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that planning policies and decisions should ensure that appropriate measures are in place to secure the long-term maintenance of newly-planted trees.

The National Design Guide, which supports the Framework, adds that management and maintenance regimes should be considered from the early stages of the design process and documented in a management plan.

A Local Planning Authority can attach conditions to the grant of planning permission. These could be used to secure the implementation and protection of trees within a development. If a development has been carried out without complying with any associated planning conditions, local planning authorities have a range of planning enforcement powers which they can use to tackle alleged breaches of planning control.

Planning authorities can also use planning obligations to restrict or prescribe the use of land, require specific activities to be carried out in relation to a development, and require payment to a local authority. Planning obligations could include requiring a developer to make payments towards the management and maintenance of trees.

Found: Somerton) Terry Jermy (Labour; South West Norfolk) Jayne Kirkham (Labour; Truro and Falmouth) Josh Newbury