Environment Legislation

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

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe) (No. 1) Order 2025

The order finalized the access preparation period for a coast path section, setting June 4th, 2025, as the date.


This order establishes June 4th, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for the England Coast Path from Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe.

The decision is based on approvals granted by the Secretary of State for proposals outlined in Natural England reports addressing coastal access along this route.

The order cites relevant acts of Parliament and provides details of the reports and approvals.

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The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Isle of Sheppey) (No. 1) Order 2025

The order designated June 24, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for the Isle of Sheppey coastal margin, following approval of designated access proposals.


This order establishes June 24, 2025, as the end date for the access preparation period for coastal margin land on the Isle of Sheppey.

The date follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's proposals, detailed in several reports, for creating a long-distance coastal path.

The order cites relevant sections of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 as its legal basis.

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The Immingham Open Cycle Gas Turbine (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2025

The Immingham Open Cycle Gas Turbine Order 2020 was amended to clarify definitions, land acquisition processes, and certified documents.


This order amends the Immingham Open Cycle Gas Turbine Order 2020 to incorporate non-material changes.

The Secretary of State approved the changes following an application under the Infrastructure Planning (Changes to, and Revocation of, Development Consent Orders) Regulations 2011.

Key amendments include modifications to definitions of ‘book of reference’ and ‘Order land,’ alterations to compulsory land acquisition provisions, and revisions to schedules detailing land rights and certified documents.

These changes aim for greater clarity and efficiency in the project’s implementation.

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The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 22nd May 25

The regulations amended the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 to clarify the driving licence requirements for zero-emission vehicles in Great Britain.


The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 amend the 1999 Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations.

Specifically, they revise the rules concerning the types of zero-emission vehicles that can be driven under certain licence categories in Great Britain.

The changes primarily relax restrictions on the maximum authorized mass of zero-emission vehicles that category B licence holders (standard car licence) can operate, allowing for larger vehicles and trailer combinations, with some stipulations on age and experience in certain cases.

The regulations also address the age restrictions for driving some medium-sized goods vehicles specified within the updated regulations, setting a single legal age of 17.

This legislation revokes and replaces previous regulations largely based on assimilated EU law.

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The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2025

The 2025 regulations amended UK legislation to remove Dechlorane Plus and UV-328 from the list of controlled persistent organic pollutants.


The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2025 amend Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, removing Dechlorane Plus and UV-328 from Annex 1's list of controlled substances.

The regulations were enacted by the Secretary of State with consent from the Scottish and Welsh Ministers and came into force immediately upon enactment.

An impact assessment is available online.

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The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025

Specific sections of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 relating to precision-bred plants were brought into force in England, Wales, and Scotland.


These regulations, effective November 13, 2025, activate parts of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023.

The Act governs the release and sale of precision-bred organisms, specifically focusing on plants within England, Wales, and Scotland.

The regulations specify which sections of the Act come into force, primarily those concerning the release, marketing, risk assessment, and production of food from precision-bred plants, and their enforcement.

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The Blyth (Extension of Limits) Harbour Revision Order 2025

The Marine Management Organisation extended the Blyth Harbour limits to include Ash Barge Dock, amending the Blyth Harbour Act 1986 and protecting Trinity House and Crown rights.


The Blyth (Extension of Limits) Harbour Revision Order 2025, enacted by the Marine Management Organisation, extends the Blyth Harbour limits to encompass Ash Barge Dock.

The order amends the Blyth Harbour Act 1986 to reflect this change, defining "Ash Barge Dock" and incorporating it into the harbour's jurisdictional boundaries.

The order also protects the rights of Trinity House and safeguards Crown interests.

It came into force on June 2nd, 2025, and applies to England and Wales.

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The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2025

The 2025 order amended the 2015 Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order, modifying permitted development rights related to electric vehicle charging and air source heat pumps.


This order amends the 2015 Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order for England.

Key changes include relaxing restrictions on installing electric vehicle charging points and air source heat pumps, streamlining planning processes for these developments.

Specific alterations involve removing certain limitations on the size, location, and number of permitted installations.

A transitional provision allows continued development under previous regulations for a limited time.

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