Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has made an assessment of the effect of new house building on the level of the hedgehog population.

The implications of new homes for wildlife, including hedgehogs, will depend on the particular local circumstances of a new development. Our National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment.

Where there are effects on wildlife due to new development, our planning practice guidance acknowledges the value of incorporating wildlife into development, such as providing safe routes for hedgehogs to travel between sites. Planning conditions can be used to require that a planning permission provides for works that will measurably increase biodiversity and local authorities should take this into consideration when dealing with applications for new homes.

The Government is committed to taking action to recover our threatened native species, such as hedgehogs, red squirrels, water voles and dormice. Our Environment Bill includes measures that will help improve the status of threatened species, including mandating biodiversity net gain.