Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of restricting the use of netting across trees and hedgerows during the bird-nesting season.

We all have a responsibility to our local environment and its inhabitants and this applies to developers too. When associated with development these sorts of practices should only be used to help protect birds. We expect local planning authorities to look at these practices closely and take action where necessary. Guidance is available for local authorities.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should contribute to, and enhance, the natural and local environment by minimising the impacts on, and providing net gains for, biodiversity.