All new buildings in England could be required to use bird-safe glass and other wildlife-friendly features, under amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill proposed in the House of Lords. The cross-party push follows criticism of the government's plans by its own Animal Sentience Committee, which warned of risks to millions of birds, hedgehogs, rabbits and other wild animals. Campaigners say the measures are low-cost, practical and could save countless lives.

All new buildings in England could soon be required to incorporate bird-safe glass and other wildlife-friendly features, after peers in the House of Lords tabled a series of amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

The cross-party measures – backed by Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green and crossbench peers – seek to embed animal welfare into the planning system. Proposals include mandating bird-safe glazing, integrated swift boxes, bat boxes and hedgehog highways, which provide gaps at ground level in fences or walls to allow hedgehogs to move freely between gardens and green spaces.

Supporters argue that the changes would prevent the deaths of millions of wild animals each year. Some 30 million birds are estimated to die annually in the UK following collisions with glass – often suffering slow or painful deaths – yet studies suggest the use of bird-safe glass could reduce fatalities by more than 90%. The UK is already a major producer of such glass, raising the prospect of a boost to domestic industry.