Natural England is seeking views from: local government, planners and developers, ecologists, wildlife charities, energy companies and other interested parties on 4 new policies for the way European protected species (EPS) licensing works.
Very few people would disagree with the aim of The Habitats Regulations which ensure the conservation of a wide range of rare, threatened or endemic animal and plant species. In this crowded country, wildlife and humans have to co-exist somehow. However, if in achieving the aim of housing for all, and economic growth, we exterminate most wildlife, we will have our future grandchildren to answer to.
The aims of The Habitats Regulations is reasonable. It is the implementation of the legislation that is clumsy, unimaginative and unsympathetic to commercial interests.
Have your say now! Use the online survey: http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/eps-consultation/