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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help ensure that reviews to biodiversity net gain requirements for small housing developments maintain (a) local democratic oversight and (b) environmental protection standards in Surrey.

The Government has recently consulted on improving the implementation of biodiversity net gain for minor, medium, and brownfield development. The consultation closed on 24 July, and responses received are being considered. A full Government response will be published in due course.

Biodiversity net gain requirements will continue to be assessed and approved by local planning authorities before commencement of the developments in their areas, including those in Surrey.