More than 20 hectares of forest, open land and water in the Black Country developed upon over three years
More than 20 hectares of forest, open land and water in the Black Country had been developed upon in the three years to March 2022, new figures show.
The developments – which include homes, industrial buildings, transport and utility sites among other uses – have been built on areas such as grassland, forests and waterways, including lakes, canals and reservoirs.
It comes as Housing Secretary Michael Gove recently announced plans to repeal so-called “nutrient neutrality” rules.
Under legislation derived from the EU, Natural England instructs new developments to be nutrient-neutral, meaning developers must demonstrate their plans won’t add to the ecological burden on local habitats, or pay for mitigation if they do.
However, this requirement will be watered down to become guidance under the changes proposed.
One hectare is a square of land with sides 100 metres long.
