Natural England to focus specialist planning advice on complex cases with significant environmental impacts

The body is the official UK government adviser and statutory nature regulator responsible for protecting and improving the natural environment in England.

Under newly published reforms, the regulator will focus on planning proposals which present the greatest risks or opportunities for nature - allowing it to prioritise “complex and strategic cases” and engage earlier in the planning process.

The changes, set out in Natural England’s Operational Statement, will be introduced gradually, supported by updated guidance to help local planning authorities and developers understand when and how to engage with the regulator.

Natural England said: “As demand for Natural England’s planning advice has grown, its expertise has been spread across a high volume of consultations, often where established guidance already exists.

“Today’s changes will allow Natural England to move away from providing repeated advice on individual cases and prioritise larger-scale work, helping to identify and resolve environmental issues early on.”

Where established guidance or upfront advice exists, Natural England said this will be used to support local planning authorities with their decision-making on more routine matters.   

Natural England Chief Executive Neil Hornby said: “This change of approach will help us focus our expertise where it can have the greatest impact for nature, while supporting efficient decision making across the planning system.

“Natural England is laser-focused on advancing nature recovery and meeting key legal Environment Act targets, while supporting the government’s ambition for good growth in every postcode.”

Lottie Winson