I am aware of press coverage suggesting that proposals for a national biodiversity offsetting system could undermine these protections, but this has never been the case.
Biodiversity offsetting would only be used once a planning application has passed these rigorous protections. It could then be used to ensure that adequate compensation was provided in a transparent and consistent way.
Furthermore, the National Planning Policy Framework states that planning permission should be refused for development that would result in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and aged or veteran trees elsewhere. This can only be overridden if the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss.
In short, the Government does not want to undermine the protections for ancient woodland. On the contrary, I am assured that Ministers want to protect and enhance our woodland habitats. 20,000 acres of new woodland are being created, plus another million trees planted in towns and cities. England now has more woodland cover than 700 years ago