The debate in the House of Lords on Lord Trenchard’s amendment 102 to the Levelling-up Bill to give protection for chalk streams in the planning process was held last night at 7pm. At the conclusion, Minister Richard, Lord Benyon, agreed to bring forward a Government amendment to provide this protection. The Trenchard amendment was drafted with help from Oliver Heald MP and Nikki Da Costa (Ashwell). Lord Trenchard is from Standon and the amendment was also signed by Labour’s Sharon, Lady Taylor of Stevenage.

This was a triumph for Lord Trenchard and chalk streams’ campaigners in Hertfordshire and elsewhere. Hertfordshire has 20% of the World’s chalk streams which are as important ecologically as rain forests. There are 8 chalk streams in North East Hertfordshire: Upper Rhee, Ivel, Rib, Quin, Ash, Beane, Mimram and the Lea. The local press previously covered Oliver’s meeting in April with Lord Benyon to press the case.

Commenting Oliver Heald said:

“I am delighted that Lord Trenchard has had this great success in persuading Government to put the protection of chalk streams in planning on a statutory footing. I also pay tribute to campaigners such as Charles Rangeley-Wilson and Nikki Da Costa for their help and briefing.”