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Ministers instruct environment agency to approve housing plans quickly
UK ministers have reportedly instructed the Environment Agency to approve housing planning applications with minimal scrutiny. The move is part of a broader regulatory reform aimed at boosting economic growth and addressing the government’s budget shortfall.
Officials say they have been advised to take only the minimum legal action required to prevent housing projects from moving forward. Senior advisers from the housing department have also been brought in to accelerate approvals.
The changes coincide with a wider government push to speed up housing and infrastructure development, with the chancellor hoping to close a multibillion-pound gap in the upcoming budget.
However, environmental campaigners have expressed concern that reducing the agency’s oversight could damage wildlife and natural habitats. One source described the current approach as “doing the minimum legally required while prioritizing development at any cost.”
Some observers fear that this strategy could undermine the agency’s core role, although government officials deny any plans to dismantle it entirely.