Environment Legislation

Regulations protecting natural resources, addressing climate change, pollution control, and environmental conservation measures.

The Town and Country Planning (Fees and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025

The Town and Country Planning (Fees and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025 amend existing legislation to reflect changes introduced by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.

The regulations update fees for certain planning applications and adjust several Acts to incorporate new provisions for planning permission on Crown land in England.

These new provisions establish two application routes: one for urgent, nationally important developments and another for nationally important developments without urgency.

The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025

The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025, effective September 30, 2025, amend Annex 3 of (EC) No 1223/2009 to restrict methyl salicylate in cosmetics.

The regulation sets varying maximum concentrations based on product type, ensuring safe levels according to Scientific Advisory Group advice. A transitional period until March 31, 2026, allows existing stock to be sold.

The Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Transmission Licence) (Spiorad na Mara) (Scotland) Order 2025

The Electricity (Individual Exemption from the Requirement for a Transmission Licence) (Spiorad na Mara) (Scotland) Order 2025 grants an indefinite exemption from the requirement for Spiorad na Mara Limited to hold an electricity transmission licence for the transmission of electricity from its offshore generating station in the Isle of Lewis to an onshore substation.

The Secretary of State made the order under powers granted by the Electricity Act 1989, after consultation with Scottish Ministers, based on the unique circumstances of the offshore project.

The exemption applies to Scotland only, takes effect on May 7, 2025 and does not require a full impact assessment due to the anticipated lack of significant impact on the public or private sectors.

The Flood Reinsurance (Amendment) Regulations 2025

These regulations amend the 2015 Flood Reinsurance regulations, raising the total levy from £135 million to £160 million.

This increase aims to improve the affordability and availability of flood insurance in high-risk areas.

The amendment applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and took effect on April 1st, 2025, without affecting existing liabilities.

The New Heavy-Duty Vehicles (Carbon Dioxide Emission Performance Standards) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025

These regulations amend existing UK legislation concerning carbon dioxide emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles.

The amendments correct errors, update references to reporting periods from 2019 to 2020, clarify definitions related to vehicle registration, and transfer responsibilities from the European Commission to the UK Secretary of State.

The changes aim to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and operational effectiveness of the regulatory framework while maintaining the UK's commitment to reducing carbon emissions from the automotive sector.

The Grants to the Churches Conservation Trust Order 2025

The Grants to the Churches Conservation Trust Order 2025, approved by the House of Commons, authorizes grants totaling up to £3,123,614 to the Churches Conservation Trust between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026 for the preservation of historically significant churches in England and Wales.

The Order revokes the 2022 order and specifies the funding period under the Redundant Churches and other Religious Buildings Act 1969.

The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2025

These regulations amend the 2012 Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) Regulations.

Several fees are increased, including those for prior approval applications, confirmation of compliance with planning conditions, and section 73 applications.

A new three-tiered fee structure for section 73 applications is introduced.

Transitional provisions ensure that the amendments do not apply to applications or requests made before the regulations' commencement date (April 1, 2025), while delaying the application of the annual fee increase provided for in regulation 18A to April 1, 2026.

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Order 2025

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Order 2025 grants the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Company permission to operate and maintain its railway, including a level crossing, and establishes procedures for its potential transfer.

The order specifies details regarding the railway, its maintenance, and the required safety protocols at its level crossing.

It also details processes for transferring ownership or lease of the railway.