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

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are considering a change to the protection afforded to Local Wildlife Sites; if so, why; and what assessment they have made of the effect of reduced protection for such sites.

The Government is committed to protecting Local Wildlife Sites and is not considering a change in the protection afforded to them. In our 25 Year Environment Plan we have committed to improving and extending our network of wildlife rich habitats, and Local Wildlife Sites are an important part of our existing habitat resource. We want to make sure that Local Wildlife Sites continue to be appropriately protected. The Housing Minister recently met the Wildlife Trusts and wrote to all MPs and Peers to make clear his commitment to ensuring clarity concerning these protections in the National Planning Policy Framework.