The Environment Act received Royal Assent in December 2021.

It is a landmark piece of legislation creating a new governance framework that will regulate how the nation manages biodiversity, water resources and air pollution to name just a few, and introducing conservation covenant agreements as an option for developers. This new regime will lean heavily on the planning system with environmental considerations, becoming a key factor in planning and development decision making. This means everyone involved in considering or advising on new developments needs to know how the new regime could impact on those plans.

The Environment Act 2021: A Guide for Planners and Developers will be one of the first books available to provide a comprehensive overview of the Act specifically for the planning sector. Written by Tom Graham, a practising lawyer with many years of experience in environment and planning law, it answers the questions that planners and advisors will need to consider such as:

The interpretation of the Environment Act
Conservation biology and the planning system
What is Biodiversity Net Gain and how will it interact with the planning system?
What is the "precautionary principle" and how is this to be reflected in the planning process?
Can local planning authorities push a "green agenda"?
Section 106 agreements, conservation covenants, planning conditions and ecology
How will local planning committees get to grips with the complexities of the Act?
How will the act impact on developers? Is it a benefit or a problem?
As well as practical commentary, the book includes the relevant sections of the Act, annotated by the author, so you will have the sources you need in one, handy volume.