Economic growth must not come at cost to the environment, National Trust says

In the mini-budget announced in September, the government announced the creation of investment zones -  areas identified in England where planning rules will be loosened in order to release more land for commercial and housing developments.

Other plans include a review of farming subsidies designed to encouraged better environmental practices from the sector.

The National Trust said that many of the new proposals would get rid of “critical” nature protections that are “too easily dismissed as ‘red tape’”.

It added that long-term economic growth should be rooted in green jobs, sustainable food production, clean energy and protected nature, heritage, and outdoor space.

It said that while simplifying regulations was welcome, there is a difference between ‘red tape’ and crucial protections that safeguard the wildlife, landscapes and buildings.

The charity has set out a series of ‘red lines’ that it says cannot afford to be lost in upcoming policy announcements...