The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has today launched a long-term thematic inquiry into land use and nature in England, as a new component of its Strategy setting out its strategic principles and policy priorities to underpin their work during the course of this Parliament.

It comes as the Government published its Land Use Framework on 18 March.

During this Parliament, the cross-party Committee will hold evidence sessions and publish reports on issues around competing pressures and trade-offs facing the country’s landscapes. It may also launch calls for evidence.

The Government is challenged by the ongoing need to balance its policies on building new energy infrastructure and 1.5 million homes, whilst creating and restoring habitats and supporting the agricultural sector, which currently takes up 70% of England’s land.

Against this backdrop, topics that MPs might examine include:

• The design and implementation of the Government’s forthcoming Land Use Framework
• Restoration of different habitats, such as heathland, wetlands and forest 
• Protected sites for nature
• National Parks and National Landscapes  
• Rights of way 
• Urban green spaces 
• Land use in the agricultural sector 

The Committee may also consider how the Government will make progress towards international commitments to protect and conserve 30% of land by 2030. 

EFRA Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael MP said:

“The Government has set ambitious targets to conserve ecosystems, build hundreds of thousands more homes and new renewable energy sources, and to expand the National Grid. Given that around 70% of England’s land is agricultural, it is farmers and growers – already under pressure – that are most likely to be impacted by these priorities.

“Squaring all of the above will be a tricky balancing act that requires detailed, thought-through policy. In many cases there could be winners and losers, and we know these subjects can be potent at stirring up emotions.

“At its early stages and through its implementation, this Committee will scrutinise the Government’s strategic planning for land use and nature conservation, and will examine how DEFRA works with other departments to ensure the aims of the Land Use Framework are understood and achieved.”