Environment Legislation

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

The A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent (Amendment) Order 2025

This Order amends the A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent Order 2025 following an application for a non-material change concerning environmental mitigation measures for the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The amendment specifically replaces a commitment in the Code of Construction Practice register regarding air quality effects, mandating the implementation of appropriate technology to enable a 60mph westbound speed limit enforcement zone on the M25 between junctions 26 and 27, coupled with detailed monitoring, reporting, and appropriate funding arrangements to prevent Adverse Effect on Integrity (AEoI) from nitrogen deposition.

The Bathing Water (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2025

These Regulations, enacted by the Secretary of State for England and the Welsh Ministers for Wales under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999, amend the primary Bathing Water Regulations 2013.

The changes involve updating definitions, establishing new criteria to restrict the identification of bathing waters based on feasibility, cost, or safety risks, granting flexibility in setting the official bathing season duration, modifying procedures for waters classified as 'poor' for five consecutive years by introducing a reconsideration period, and updating requirements for monitoring and reporting short-term pollution and annual data.

The Organic Production (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Wed 22nd Oct 25

The Organic Production (Amendment) Regulations 2025 modify existing European Union derived legislation governing organic production and labelling within the UK, specifically amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 to extend certain transitional measures.

These amendments principally grant extensions until 31st December 2026 for the use of non-organically reared pullets in organic egg production flocks and permit the use of up to 5% non-organic protein feed for specific weight/age categories of piglets and poultry during the 2026 calendar year due to potential unavailability of organic supplies.

Additionally, a condition is added regarding the use of gellan gum in processed organic food, allowing non-organic sources if organic supplies are insufficient.

The Hovercraft (Application of Enactments) (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Fri 17th Oct 25

The Hovercraft (Application of Enactments) (Amendment) Order 2025, made by His Majesty in Council, amends the principal 1989 Order to ensure that current maritime legislation concerning casualty investigations, pollution prevention, safety regulations, fees, and ambulatory references to international instruments applies correctly to hovercraft as it applies to ships across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Development Consent (Correction) Order 2025

This Order officially corrects specific errors and omissions identified in the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Development Consent Order 2024, which was granted under the Planning Act 2008.

The Secretary of State for Transport issued this correction following a formal request from the applicant, implementing textual changes to articles, schedules, and updating the list of certified documents to ensure legal accuracy and clarity regarding the approved development.

The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors (Amendment and Transitional) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 13th Oct 25

The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors (Amendment and Transitional) Regulations 2025 primarily amend the 2001 Regulations by incorporating updated noise measurement standards, primarily through the introduction of a new Schedule 6A detailing methods to measure airborne noise emitted by equipment for use outdoors, and these changes extend to England, Wales, and Scotland and come into force on April 13th, 2026, with provisions made to allow industry to transition away from the old methods until May 2028.

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey) Order 2025

This order sets September 24, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for coastal land between Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey.

The decision follows the approval by the Secretary of State of Natural England's proposals, detailed in six reports, under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

The order cites the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 as its legal basis and clarifies terms and definitions used in the approval process.

Copies of the Secretary of State’s notices of approval are available online and through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

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

This Order establishes September 17, 2025, as the end date for the access preparation period for coastal margin land on the Isle of Wight.

The decision is based on approvals granted by the Secretary of State for proposals outlined in reports by Natural England concerning coastal access routes.

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