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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the (a) number and (b) effectiveness of nets used by developers to prevent birds nesting in trees.

My Department does not hold this information. The Government is committed to the protection of birds and trees and recognises their significant value. The revised National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by minimising the impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity. All wild birds are protected by provisions in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.