Natural England will focus its planning advice on proposals posing the greatest risks or opportunities for nature, under reforms published yesterday.
Natural England said the changes would allow it to prioritise complex and strategic cases and engage earlier in the planning process. It will move away from giving repeated advice on individual cases.
Demand for its planning advice has grown, leaving its expertise spread across a high volume of consultations, often where established guidance already exists.
Where established guidance or upfront advice is available, it will be used to support local planning authorities on more routine matters.
Natural England said it would continue to meet its statutory responsibilities, and that protections for habitats, species, and designated sites would remain in place. It said the changes concerned how advice was delivered.
The announcement coincides with the first day in post of Neil Hornby as Natural England’s chief executive.
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.”
The reforms form part of wider changes to the planning system, including those affecting the statutory consultee system. These are intended to help public bodies provide more strategic support and focus specialist expertise on the issues and proposals where it can deliver the greatest environmental benefit.
The changes will be introduced gradually, with Natural England working with local planning authorities, developers, and other partners during the transition. Standing advice, guidance, and engagement will be provided to support the shift.
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