Clive Lewis says he will vote against planning bill amid concerns it will let developers build over precious habitats
Labour is using post-Brexit freedoms to override EU nature laws and allow chalk streams and nightingale habitats to be destroyed, MPs have said.
The planning and infrastructure bill going through parliament will allow developers to circumvent EU-derived environmental protections and instead pay into a nature restoration fund.
This would override the habitats directive, which protects animals including otters, salmon and dormice. Under the new bill it will be possible to pay into the fund and build over their habitats.
The bill also allows potential development of EU-designated sites including sites of special scientific interest and special protection areas.
