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ARTICLE · 10 SEPTEMBER 2026

Environmental Law Update | August 2026

Freeths LLP
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This comprehensive environmental law update examines significant regulatory changes across biodiversity net gain, waste tracking, carbon border adjustments, PFAS chemicals, water company enforcement, and infrastructure planning reforms. The analysis explores how new regulations will reshape environmental compliance obligations for businesses, landowners, and developers while examining the balance between regulatory protection and operational flexibility.

United KingdomEnvironment
Penny Simpson
Penny Simpson
Alison Ogley
Alison Ogley
Ben Derrington
Ben Derrington
Richard Broadbent
Richard Broadbent
Emma Conwell
Emma Conwell
Annabel Walker
Annabel Walker

Welcome to the latest edition of the Freeths Environmental Law Team’s monthly blog, setting out the most significant environmental legal and policy updates from July 2026.

Regulatory Overreach or Necessary Protection? Lessons from BASC v Natural England

Richard Broadbent, Director in the Environment Team, comments on the recent judgment in The British Association for Shooting and Conservation v Natural England [2026] EWHC 1812.

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Nature

Changes to biodiversity net gain

The Biodiversity Gain (Town and Country Planning) (Amendments and Transitional Provisions) (England) Regulations 2026, which come into force on 6 August 2026, will make several significant changes to the operation of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in England. Most notably, developments on sites of 0.2 hectares or less (provided no priority habitat is affected) and certain temporary developments of up to five years will be exempt from BNG requirements.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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