Two Isle of Wight conservation charities have slammed what they call "an all-out attack on nature" following a Government announcement about new 'Investment Zones'.
Proposals published on Friday (23) seek to "streamline and accelerate" the planning procedure across the country to "boost growth".
However, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, as well as RSPB, argue the move will see housing and commercial developments "incentivised", leading to nature being damaged "with little or no restriction".
Southampton and Dorset are two of the 38 locations earmarked by Government as 'Investment Zones'.
Debbie Tann, Chief Executive of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said:
“This all-out attack on nature is completely unprecedented.
“Without these basic safeguards, there will be a desperate fight for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s precious natural assets, a free-for-all, with wildlife and communities inevitably losing out to development and intensive land use.
“The Government’s plans for growth rest precariously on a seemingly willing ignorance of the fact that you cannot create a sustainable economy or resilient society, without a healthy environment.
“Reneging on their commitments to address the ecological crisis and invest in nature is gambling all of our futures for uncertain short-term economic gains. This is reckless and irresponsible, and it has to stop.”
RSPB also said it had heard "rumours" that Government is set to scrap a proposed scheme that would have supported farmers and landowners to enhance nature.
It said ministers are "intent" on amending or scrapping crucial environmental laws, including the Habitats Regulations.
Jeff Knott, the RSPB’s director of policy and advocacy, said:
“These Government proposals will rip up the laws that have for decades provided basic protection for our best wildlife sites, along with other laws protecting our air, rivers, wildlife and food standards.
“The shocking proposal to liberalise planning rules and “release land” in the newly announced investment zones are also of huge concern to us. It would appear that these zones would allow developers to build carte blanche on some of our last remaining wildlife sites. To us they look less like investment zones and more likes destruction zones.”
Responding to criticism, DEFRA tweeted:
"We have a plan for economic growth.
"It is not true to claim we are attacking nature nor going back on our commitments.
"We have legislated through the Environment Act and will continue to improve our regulations and wildlife laws in line with our ambitious vision."
The charities are urging Islanders to speak to MP Bob Seely, urgently.
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