Revised Approach to Planning Advice by Natural England
Natural England has announced significant reforms today aimed at enhancing the efficiency of its planning advice services while ensuring the protection of the natural environment. These changes, unveiled on Thursday 1 October, are designed to sharpen the focus of the agency’s expertise, particularly in relation to planning proposals that pose significant risks or opportunities for nature.
With the appointment of Neil Hornby as the new Chief Executive of Natural England marking a pivotal moment, the agency will now prioritise complex and strategic planning cases, allowing for earlier engagement in the planning process. This shift comes as an essential response to the increasing demand for planning advice from Natural England, which has often resulted in its resources being stretched across a high volume of consultations, many of which pertain to issues where established guidance is already in place.
Streamlining Environmental Consultations
The newly implemented changes will enable Natural England to focus on larger-scale projects and to identify environmental concerns at an early stage, moving away from the repetitive provision of advice on individual cases. For routine matters where established guidelines exist, these will be leveraged to assist local planning authorities in their decision-making processes.
Despite the changes in delivery, Natural England remains committed to its statutory obligations to safeguard habitats, species, and designated sites. The reforms are structured to ensure that the agency’s expertise is directed towards high-risk and high-opportunity scenarios, thereby offering greater consistency and clarity to both planning authorities and developers.
Insights from the Chief Executive
Neil Hornby expressed that this revised approach will maximise the agency’s impact on nature conservation while facilitating efficient decision-making within the planning framework. He stated, “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.”
This initiative aligns with broader reforms within the planning system, particularly concerning the statutory consultee framework. The aim is to enhance the capacity of public bodies to provide strategic support and concentrate specialist knowledge on planning issues where the environmental benefits can be most pronounced.
Gradual Implementation of Changes
The introduction of these changes will occur gradually, with Natural England committed to collaborating closely with local planning authorities, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the transition. Support will be provided through ongoing advice, updated guidance, and engagement initiatives to ensure a seamless adaptation to the new approach, ultimately fostering clarity and confidence within the planning system.
For further details, the operational modifications have been documented in Natural England’s Operational Statement, reflecting adjustments made under the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which amended Natural England’s duties as outlined in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, specifically concerning planning casework under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
As the changes take effect, updated guidance and resources will be made available to assist local planning authorities and developers in understanding how to effectively engage with Natural England within this refined framework.