This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Monday, 3 October 2022
Wrecking Ball Investment Zones?
One tool in the UK government's obsessive drive for 'economic growth', is the creation of 'Investment zones'. Investment zones will be granted tax incentives, 'liberalised' planning laws and receive wider support for the local economy. English Councils have been informed they will be able to apply for an Investment zone to be created in a National Park or another currently environmentally-protected area (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2022/oct/03/investment-zones-could-be-allowed-in-englands-national-parks). In addition to National Parks, government will be able to 'quickly approve' (meaning it would be difficult to prevent), Investment zone creation in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; Sites of Special Scientific Interest; Buffer zones of World Heritage Sites or designated 'Green belt'. All these areas could experience increased house building alongside commercial development. There also appear to be few environmental constraints for Investment zones e.g. for sewage disposal or pollution prevention. The UK is a relatively tiny country and Investment zones should have no place in environmentally-protected areas. The destruction of National Parks etc, would actually cause considerable local economic damage, as well as constituting a loss of amenitity. This is environmental vandalisation on an epic scale!
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