Regulator will leave routine cases to be dealt with based on established guidance
Natural England will focus on more complex and strategic cases and leave more routine matters to be decided based on established guidance.
Under newly published reforms, aimed at speeding up the planning process, the regulator will move away from providing repeated advice on individual cases and instead prioritise larger-scale, high-risk and high-opportunity cases.
According to Natural England, demand for its planning advice has grown over the years, resulting in its expertise being spread across a high volume of consultations.
It said the reforms, which come as the body’s new chief executive Neil Hornby steps into his role, will allow earlier engagement in the planning process.
“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,” said Hornby.
“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 will be introduced gradually, with Natural England working with local authorities, developers and others to implement the new system.
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