1-20 of 263 results for subject:Swifts
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To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she is considering amending the Wildlife and Countryside Act to ensure that cavity nesting swift nesting sites are protected year round.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she is considering amending the Wildlife and Countryside Act to ensure that cavity nesting swift nesting sites are protected year round.
This Government has no plans to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to provide year-round protection for nesting sites used by swifts. The current National Planning Policy Framework, published in December 2024, introduces measures to enhance and protect the environment including setting out that planning policies should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by incorporating features which support priority or threatened species.
Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consulted on a new National Planning Policy Framework which strengthens protections. This Government will respond to this consultation in due course.
That this House recognises the annual arrival of swifts to the UK each May and their extraordinary aerial displays; notes with concern that swifts are now on the Government's List of birds of conservation concern, also known as the UK Red List for birds, due to significant population decline; acknowledges the importance of providing suitable nesting sites and sustaining insect populations to support their survival; further notes the remarkable migration of over 3,000 miles from Africa and their unique behaviour of spending much of their lives in flight; welcomes Swift Awareness Week activities in Dolgellau from 27 June to 4 July, including guided walks and talks delivered with the RSPB and North Wales Wildlife Trust; further recognises Dolgellau as home to one of the most impressive swift populations in Gwynedd; and praises the work of Arloesi Dolgellau for its leadership in supporting and promoting Swift Awareness Week, bringing together partners and the community to celebrate and safeguard these remarkable birds for future generations.
That this House recognises the annual arrival of swifts to the UK each May and their extraordinary aerial displays; notes with concern that swifts are now on the Government's List of birds of conservation concern, also known as the UK Red List for birds, due to significant population decline; acknowledges...
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department will release guidance on Swift Bricks for new build properties.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department will release guidance on Swift Bricks for new build properties.
Planning Practice Guidance setting out how swift bricks are expected to be used in new developments can be found on gov.uk here.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to set national standards for minimum numbers of swift bricks in (a) new developments and (b) certain home extensions.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to set national standards for minimum numbers of swift bricks in (a) new developments and (b) certain home extensions.
The government recognises that swift bricks are a vital means of addressing the long-term decline of the breeding swift population. While swift brick coverage is increasing, we made clear during the passage of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that we were committed to doing more to drive up swift brick installation.
Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, we consulted on a new National Planning Policy Framework. That consultation, which can be found on gov.uk here, included a new policy that would require all developments to include swift bricks into their construction unless compelling technical reasons would prevent their use or make them ineffective.
This would represent a significant strengthening of expectations already in place and we would expect the end result to be at least one swift brick in every new brick built house unless there are legitimate reasons why installation would not be appropriate.
We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.
As an interim step, we published updated Planning Practice Guidance setting out how swift bricks are expected to be used in new developments.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how they plan to encourage developers to include swift bricks in new buildings.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how they plan to encourage developers to include swift bricks in new buildings.
The government recognises that swift bricks are a vital means of addressing the long-term decline of the breeding swift population. While swift brick coverage is increasing, we made clear during the passage of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that we were committed to doing more to drive up swift brick installation.
The government is currently consulting on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), including a new policy that would require all developments to include swift bricks into their construction unless compelling technical reasons would prevent their use or make them ineffective.
This is a significant strengthening of expectations already in place and we expect the end result to be at least one swift brick in every new brick built house unless there are legitimate reasons why installation would not be appropriate.
The consultation on changes to the NPPF is available on gov.uk here and will remain open for responses until 10 March 2026.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when his Department plans to consult on proposals to require (a) swift and (b) bat bricks to be incorporated into new buildings.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when his Department plans to consult on proposals to require (a) swift and (b) bat bricks to be incorporated into new buildings.
The government recognises that swift bricks are a vital means of addressing the long-term decline of the breeding swift population. While swift brick coverage is increasing, we made clear during the passage of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that we were committed to doing more to drive up swift brick installation.
The government is currently consulting on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), including a new policy that would require all developments to include swift bricks into their construction unless compelling technical reasons would prevent their use or make them ineffective.
This is a significant strengthening of expectations already in place and we expect the end result to be at least one swift brick in every new brick built house unless there are legitimate reasons why installation would not be appropriate.
The consultation on changes to the NPPF is available on gov.uk here and will remain open for responses until 10 March 2026.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the factors allowing housing estate developers not to comply with planning requirements to install swift and bat bricks.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the factors allowing housing estate developers not to comply with planning requirements to install swift and bat bricks.
There are no current planning requirements to install swift and bat bricks. The government has committed to consult on changes which require swift bricks to be incorporated into new buildings unless there are compelling reasons which preclude their use, or which would make them ineffective.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take steps to reverse the decline of the swift population in England.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take steps to reverse the decline of the swift population in England.
The decline in swifts is likely due to the lack of insect food for chicks, poor weather, and lack of nesting spaces. However, to better understand and develop solutions to address the causes of decline, we have funded projects through Natural England's Species Recovery Programme.
Additionally, The National Planning Policy Framework explicitly promotes features which support priority and/or threatened species such as swifts. As part of our work to develop a set of national policies for decision making, we intend to consult on changes which require swift bricks to be incorporated into new buildings unless there are compelling reasons which preclude their use, or which would make them ineffective.
As an interim step ahead of the consultation we have published updated Planning Practice Guidance setting out how swift bricks are expected to be used in new development, and signposting to further guidance including the British Industry Standard, Part 2 of the National Model Design Code, the Future Homes Hub Homes for Nature Guidance, and the RSPB’s Guide to Nestboxes.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department takes to encourage developers to build (a) in partnership with nature and (b) using swift bricks.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department takes to encourage developers to build (a) in partnership with nature and (b) using swift bricks.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 62367 on 2 July 2025.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 September 2025 to Question 69634 on Swifts: Bricks, if she will make it her policy to amend the Statutory Biodiversity Net Gain metric to allow the installation of swift bricks in new...
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 September 2025 to Question 69634 on Swifts: Bricks, if she will make it her policy to amend the Statutory Biodiversity Net Gain metric to allow the installation of swift bricks in new...
Swift bricks cannot be counted towards Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units, which must be calculated using the statutory biodiversity metric or its small sites version. The metric does not account for species-specific features, which are typically installed to mitigate the loss of features in the built environment.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 February 2025 to Question 32775 on Swifts: Conservation, what recent progress has been made in those discussions; and what steps she is taking to help increase uptake.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 February 2025 to Question 32775 on Swifts: Conservation, what recent progress has been made in those discussions; and what steps she is taking to help increase uptake.
Defra policy officials continue to work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government colleagues on swift brick policy, alongside wider nature and planning matters.
As part of our work to develop a set of national planning policies for decision making, the Government intends to consult on changes which require swift bricks to be incorporated into new buildings unless there are compelling reasons which preclude their use, or which would make them ineffective. This would strengthen significantly the planning policy expectations already in place, meaning – for example – that we would expect to see at least one swift brick in all new brick-built houses.
As an interim step ahead of the consultation, we have published updated Planning Practice Guidance setting out how swift bricks are expected to be used in new development, and signposting to further guidance including the British Industry Standard, Part 2 of the National Model Design Code, the Future Homes Hub Homes for Nature Guidance, and the RSPB’s Guide to Nestboxes.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether swift bricks count towards biodiversity net gain.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether swift bricks count towards biodiversity net gain.
No, expenditure on swift bricks cannot be counted towards biodiversity net gain (BNG) units which must be calculated using the main Statutory Biodiversity Net Gain metric or the small sites version of it.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when the consultation on planning guidance including the provision of swift bricks will (a) commence and (b) complete.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when the consultation on planning guidance including the provision of swift bricks will (a) commence and (b) complete.
My Department has already published updated Planning Practice Guidance setting out how swift bricks are expected to be used in new development. This outlines that developments should include swift bricks where possible, with the general aim across a development of a minimum of one nest box per unit.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are proposing to take any new measures to prescribe the inclusion of swift boxes in new housing.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are proposing to take any new measures to prescribe the inclusion of swift boxes in new housing.
I refer the noble Lord to the answer to Question UIN 62367 on 2 July 2025.
Although swift brick coverage is increasing, we want to drive up swift brick installation. As I made clear on Report of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, we are considering using a new sweep of national policies for decision making, to require swift bricks to be incorporated into new buildings unless there are compelling reasons that preclude their use or would make them ineffective.
Although swift brick coverage is increasing, we want to drive up swift brick installation. As I made clear on Report of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, we are considering using a new sweep of national policies for decision making, to require swift bricks to be incorporated into new buildings unless there are compelling reasons that preclude their use or would make them ineffective.
In Suffolk Coastal, the housing crisis is no less severe than in other rural areas across the country, and my constituents are keen that future development builds in for nature. Will the Minister comment on what plans the Government have to ensure that we build in for nature, and specifically on the prospect of, and appetite for support for, swift bricks?
In Suffolk Coastal, the housing crisis is no less severe than in other rural areas across the country, and my constituents are keen that future development builds in for nature. Will the Minister comment on what plans the Government have to ensure that we build in for nature, and specifically on the prospect of, and appetite for support for, swift bricks?
In Suffolk Coastal, the housing crisis is no less severe than in other rural areas across the country, and my constituents are keen that future development builds in for nature. Will the Minister comment on what plans the Government have to ensure that we build in for nature, and specifically on the prospect of, and appetite for support for, swift bricks?
Although swift brick coverage is increasing, we want to drive up swift brick installation. As I made clear on Report of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, we are considering using a new sweep of national policies for decision making, to require swift bricks to be incorporated into new buildings unless there are compelling reasons that preclude their use or would make them ineffective.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to encourage the use of swift bricks in newbuild homes in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) in Lancashire.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to encourage the use of swift bricks in newbuild homes in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) in Lancashire.
The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, including by incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats and hedgehogs.
As part of our work to develop a set of national policies for decision making, the government has committed to consulting on changes which would require swift bricks to be incorporated into new buildings unless there are compelling reasons which preclude their use, or which would make them ineffective.
As an interim step ahead of the consultation, my Department published updated Planning Practice Guidance setting out how swift bricks are expected to be used in new development. This outlines that developments should include swift bricks where possible, with the general aim across a development of a minimum of one nest box per unit.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether expenditure on (a) swift bricks and (b) bee houses and biomes for new-build homes can be counted towards biodiversity net gain units.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether expenditure on (a) swift bricks and (b) bee houses and biomes for new-build homes can be counted towards biodiversity net gain units.
No, expenditure on swift bricks, bee houses and bee biomes cannot be counted towards biodiversity net gain (BNG) units which must be calculated using the main Statutory BNG metric or the small sites version of it.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 15 January 2025 to Question 22080 on Housing: Bricks, what steps her Department is taking to increase the rate of swift brick installation in new build properties.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 15 January 2025 to Question 22080 on Housing: Bricks, what steps her Department is taking to increase the rate of swift brick installation in new build properties.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 22080 on 15 January 2025.
New clauses considered. New clause 10 (New car parks to include solar panels) discussed with New clause 31 (Incentives for installing solar panels). New clause 10 negatived on division (3 to 9). New clause 12 (Right to appeal against approved applications) discussed with New clause 13 (Dismissal of appeal or referral). New clause 12 withdrawn. New clause 16 (Refusal of planning permission for countryside development close to large electricity pylons) discussed with New clause 29 (Inclusion of wildbelt in planning considerations). New clause 16 withdrawn. New clause 29 negatived on division (3 to 9). New Clause 20 (Swift bricks and boxes) discussed with New clause 22 (Building regulations: biodiversity), New clause 23 (Biodiversity gain in nationally significant infrastructure projects) and New clause 27 (Environmental infrastructure in new developments). New clause 20 negatived on division (3 to 9). New Clause 21 (Support for small businesses and charities affected by roadworks) negatived on division (3 to 9). New clauses 30 (Review of capacity of local planning authorities) and New clause 32 (Register of planning applications from politcal donors) withdrawn. New clause 35 (Prohibition of development on functional floodplains) discussed with New clause 85 (Regard to flood risk guidance when considering development on flood plains) and New clause 86 (Requirement for installation of flood resilience measures). New clause 35 withdrawn. New clause 36 (Internal drainage boards to be statutory consultees) discussed with New clause 62 (Water companies to be statutory consultees for planning applications), New clause 63 (Association of British Insurers to be a statutory consultee), New clause 64 (National Landscape Partnerships to be statutory consultees for planning applications), New clause 87 (Fire authorities to be statutory consultees for applications relating to Battery Energy Storage Solutions), New clause 90 (Gardens Trust to be statutory consultees for planning applications), New clause 97 (Removal of statutory consultees) and New clause 100 (Pre-application consultation of emergency services). New clause 36 withdrawn. New Clause 47 (Prohibition of solar development on higher quality agricultural land) negatived on division (4 to 10). New Clause 51 (Fees for applications for planning permission by householders) negatived on division (4 to 10). New clause 58 (Local planning authority duty: Environment Act 2021) withdrawn. New Clause 75 (Requirement for 20% of housing to be on small sites) negatived on division (2 to 10).
New clauses considered. New clause 10 (New car parks to include solar panels) discussed with New clause 31 (Incentives for installing solar panels). New clause 10 negatived on division (3 to 9). New clause 12 (Right to appeal against approved applications) discussed with New clause 13 (Dismissal of appeal or...