Plans to weaken Protected Landscapes Duty quietly dropped

Published: 14 October 2025

Sometimes success lies in choices made and the things not pursued. Late last night, the Westminster government published its long list of amendments for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill: by convention the final opportunity Ministers have to push through any legal changes to planning this year. I read 92 pages with bated breath and was rewarded: it did not contain any proposals to weaken protections for National Parks and National Landscapes.  

Last week, it was incredibly heart-warming to see 200 plus charities, businesses, scientists and landscape experts come together to ask the Prime Minister not to proceed with amendments being proposed by some in his government to remove the Protected Landscapes Duty (an essential law that requires all public bodies to “seek to further” National Parks and National Landscapes). We reminded the Prime Minister that the British public love these landscapes, the tourist economy generates some £36bn per year and that National Parks were founded on the principle that every citizen should have the right to the simple joy of a beautiful view or immersing themselves in nature. It seems he has heeded this call. This is excellent news for National Parks and National Landscapes, especially since there is also zero evidence that the Duty in question was a ‘blocker’ to growth or planning.  

It was only 10 months ago when the Westminster government published guidance to champion the Protected Landscapes duty.  Its effect has been positive in many areas, enhancing the quality of decision making, including in planning: public authorities, water companies and developers now know they must think through plans more carefully, working with National Park Authorities and National Landscape teams at an early stage to consider and develop outcomes that seek to further conservation and enhancement.  

Such is the current state of things that holding the ground seems like a big marker of success – and we will work over the coming months to ensure that plans to weaken protections don’t come back on the agenda. But, more significantly, we know that we urgently need change for the better: to better support farmers and landowners and make our National Parks and National Landscapes richer in nature; to foster change in leadership and culture to ensure that these landscapes feel accessible and welcoming to all. Let’s hope now that Defra Ministers can now turn towards fulfilling the very welcome commitments made last year for “Protected Landscapes to be strengthened with new legislation to boost nature and access to the outdoors”. The key takeaway from the two weeks is the significant community of support and the love for these landscapes. Our offer to government now is work with us to strengthen protections and make things even better for the future.