Environment Legislation

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

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (St Mawes to Cremyll) Order 2025

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (St Mawes to Cremyll) Order 2025 sets June 4th, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for coastal land between St Mawes and Cremyll in Cornwall.

This follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's plans for a long-distance coastal path, as outlined in several reports submitted in 2019 and 2020.

The order references the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, and clarifies the legal framework for public access to this section of the proposed path.

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Penzance to St Mawes) Order 2025

This order sets June 4th, 2025, as the official end date for the access preparation period along the coastal margin from Penzance to St Mawes.

The decision is based on the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's proposals, documented in nine specific reports.

This formally opens this section of coast to public access.

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Newquay to Penzance) (No. 2) Order 2025

This order establishes June 4th, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for the coastal margin section of the England Coast Path between Newquay and Penzance.

This decision follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's proposals, detailed in several reports submitted in 2019 and 2020.

The order cites the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 as its legal basis.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Published: Thu 22nd May 25

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.

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

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.