Member

242: Clause 55, page 92, line 1 at end insert— “(2A) An environmental feature identified in an EDP must not be—(a) an irreplaceable habitat, and(b) ecologically linked to an irreplaceable habitat to the extent that development-related harm to that feature or the surrounding site would degrade, damage or destroy an irreplaceable habitat.(2B) For the purposes of this section, "irreplaceable habitat" means—(a) a habitat identified as irreplaceable under The Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Irreplaceable Habitat) Regulations (2024/48), or(b) an ecologically valuable habitat that would be technically very difficult or impossible to restore, create or replace within a reasonable timescale.”Member's explanatory statement This amendment would clarify that an Environmental Delivery Plan cannot be created for irreplaceable habitats and would maintain existing rules and processes for their protection, including under the National Planning Policy Framework.