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Written question asked by Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 5 January 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 January 2022. It was answered by Christopher Pincher (Conservative) on Friday, 14 January 2022 on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Trees: Biodiversity and Climate Change

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the impact of the (a) The Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012 and (b) guidance issued on 6 March 2014 on (i) Tree Preservation Orders and (ii) trees in conservation areas with regards to their ability to improve biodiversity and mitigate climate change issues.

Answer

This Government recognises the biodiversity and climate mitigation value of trees. We committed in the England Trees Action Plan to spend over £500 million of the Nature for Climate Fund on trees and woodland in England between 2020 and 2025. The England Tree Action Plan also committed this Government to publishing guidance on managing woodland for a changing climate.

The planning practice guidance, as published on 6 March 2014, sets out that local authorities may consider taking into account the importance to nature conservation and climate change response when assessing amenity value. Information on the impact of tree preservation policy and legislation on biodiversity is not held nationally, as information on trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders is held by the local authority who made the decision.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
98458
Session
2021-22
Related items
Tree Preservation Orders
Friday, 21 January 2022
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Climate change Biodiversity Trees Tree preservation orders
Legislation
Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk