Soil: Conservation
Commons · Question 101961 · Tabled 2 Jan 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record
Answered 9 Jan 2026
Question
Asked by Blake Stephenson
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing planning protections for high-functioning soils by designating them as Soil Conservation Zones.
Answer
Answered by Mary Creagh, 9 Jan 2026
The Government has no plans to assess or introduce new planning-based protected designations for high functioning soils. However, the Government recognises the importance of improving and protecting soil health, through sustainable and responsibly managed...