Planning bill will let developers build on green spaces without replacing local nature

Campaigners warn move could worsen access to nature for millions already living more than a 10-minute walk from park or playing field

Housing developers will be able to build on once-protected green spaces without having to replace the loss of nature in the nearby area, the Guardian understands.

New nature areas, parks and community gardens created to offset the removal of green spaces to make way for housing developments may not even have to be in the same county, under the new planning and infrastructure bill, sources at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said on Thursday.