Defra publishes new planning guidelines for environmental regulators

By Daniel Gayne2026-03-16T12:53:00

Department also announces £100m to help improve environmental assessments process

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published new guidelines which will give environmental regulators a mandate to prioritise outcomes over process.

According to the government, the reformed regulations set out in the new Strategic Policy Statements will speed up decision making by Natural England and the Environment Agency without comprising standards.

Already registered? Login here

To continue enjoying Building.co.uk, sign up for free guest access

Existing subscriber? LOGIN

Stay at the forefront of thought leadership with news and analysis from award-winning journalists. Enjoy company features, CEO interviews, architectural reviews, technical project know-how and the latest innovations.

Limited access to building.co.uk
Breaking industry news as it happens
Breaking, daily and weekly e-newsletters

Get your free guest access SIGN UP TODAY

Subscribe now for unlimited access

Subscribe to Building today and you will benefit from:

Unlimited access to all stories including expert analysis and comment from industry leaders
Our league tables, cost models and economics data
Our online archive of over 10,000 articles
Building magazine digital editions
Building magazine print editions
Printed/digital supplements

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

View our subscription options and join our community