# Burnham urged to drop 'flawed' plans that may let developers bypass environment laws for £1

> Burnham urged to drop 'flawed' plans that may let developers bypass environment laws for £1. A business report — sourced from Guardian Business.

*Section: Business — By Marcus Vale (Editor-in-Chief & Business & Markets Editor) — Published July 16, 2026 — 1 min read*

Canonical URL: https://dailyjunction.org/business/burnham-urged-to-drop-flawed-plans-that-may-let-developers-bypass-environment-laws-for-1
Tags: burnham, business, drop, environment, flawed, guardian, urged

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Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is facing mounting pressure to abandon planning proposals that critics say would allow developers to bypass environmental protections in exchange for a nominal fee.

The plans, part of Burnham's broader push to accelerate housebuilding across the city region, would introduce a streamlined consent process for developments on land currently subject to environmental safeguards. Under the proposals, developers could secure exemptions from certain habitat and biodiversity requirements by making a contribution to an offset fund — with the minimum payment set as low as £1.

Environmental groups have described the scheme as a "licence to trash," warning that it would weaken protections for green spaces, wildlife corridors and flood plains at precisely the moment when climate adaptation demands stronger environmental safeguards. The Wildlife Trusts, RSPB and local campaign groups have all registered formal objections.

Burnham's office has defended the plans, arguing that the current system creates unnecessary delays for housing developments that Greater Manchester urgently needs. A spokesperson said the proposals included robust safeguards and that the offset fund would finance genuine environmental improvements elsewhere.

The controversy exposes the tension at the heart of the government's planning agenda: the need to build more homes, particularly affordable ones, versus the obligation to protect and restore nature. Burnham, who has positioned himself as a champion of both causes, now faces the challenge of reconciling them in a way that satisfies neither side completely. A decision on whether to proceed is expected after the consultation period closes next month.

## Sources

- [Guardian Business](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/15/andy-burnham-urged-to-drop-planning-changes-harm-nature)

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