Fresh Government snub for campaign to make installation of swiftbricks mandatory in new housing developments

                    

Baroness Scott: I love my swifts, but . . . 

THE Government has snubbed a renewed plea for installation of swiftbricks in new housing developments to be made mandatory.

Instead, it says the appeal will be 'explored' - in other words, kicked into the long grass.

In the wake of a debate triggered by swift-supporting Conservative peer, Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park, the Government's spokesperson in the 'Lords,  Baroness Scott of Bybrook said: "Personally, I love my swifts, and I watch them every year. 

"I believe they are a joy to us all. 

"The Government really welcome the actions by developers that contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment. 

"We support - in appropriate circumstances - planning conditions or obligations being used to require that planning permission provides for works that will measurably increase biodiversity. 

"An example of this is the approach that Brighton and Hove City Council is taking to use conditions to promote nesting habitats for swifts."

Baroness Scott continued: "We think that further specific measures, such as swift bricks and boxes, should be explored but through national policy, not legislation. 

"We have announced a wider national planning policy review in which we have already committed to exploring the incorporation of nature into development through better planning for green infrastructure and nature-friendly buildings. 

"We are not able to support this amendment, but we look forward to working with my noble friend further as we explore this issue." 

                                         

Swiftbricks in a Barratt house on its Wigmore Park estate in New Waltham, near Grimsby