The launch of the first Environmental Delivery Plan consultation by Natural England is about more than a new process. It is the first opportunity to test, in a real place and with the people who know it best, a new approach to delivering the homes we need while helping nature recover.
The government is reforming the planning system to support the delivery of new homes and critical infrastructure, whilst improving outcomes for the environment, and the Nature Restoration Fund is a key part of that effort.
From national reform to local delivery
The Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) was established through the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 to provide a quicker and simpler way for developers to meet their responsibilities regarding protected sites and species, while enabling more impactful conservation action to be delivered.
Developers generally have to assess and mitigate environmental impacts project-by-project. That can at times create complexity and uncertainty for developers, and result in specific interventions that address an individual development’s impact without necessarily contributing to wider nature recovery.
The NRF offers an alternative. Through ‘Environmental Delivery Plans’, Natural England will assess specified impacts from development in an area, identify a package of conservation measures and set a levy that developers can choose to pay if they opt in, discharging their obligations with regard to protected habitats and species. Contributions from different developments can then be pooled, allowing Natural England and its partners to deliver coordinated action that delivers an overall improvement for nature.
Why Norfolk, and why now?
The first draft Environmental Delivery Plan focuses on addressing the impact of nutrient pollution affecting protected sites in Norfolk. These are internationally important landscapes, supporting rare habitats, distinctive wildlife and highly sensitive ecosystems. They are also part of local communities that need more homes.
The plan has capacity to enable over 15,000 new houses. Once developers have paid into the NRF, it will fund a range of impactful conservation measures that will make a real difference on the ground. This includes river and wetland restoration, the creation of freshwater habitats and wetland habitat management, Together, these measures will strengthen the resilience of Norfolk’s rivers, wetlands and protected habitats for the long term.
Environmental Delivery Plan consultation
In developing the plan, we have worked closely with local stakeholders to ensure that it reflects local needs and priorities. Natural England is now launching a consultation to gather further input. In particular, we want them to hear from people who live and work in Norfolk and further understand its places, pressures and opportunities.
This consultation is an opportunity to test the evidence and scrutinise the proposed conservation measures and delivery arrangements before the plan is finalised. It will also provide valuable lessons for the wider implementation of the Nature Restoration Fund.
Help us get it right
This first consultation marks the point at which national reform begins to take shape on the ground.
The Environmental Delivery Plan is designed to provide greater certainty for communities, developers and local authorities, and deliver meaningful, lasting recovery for nature.
That is why we’re encouraging local communities, developers, environmental organisations, nature-market suppliers, land managers and local planning authorities to examine the proposals and share their views.
By bringing together national reform, local knowledge and practical experience, we can help build an approach that delivers for Norfolk and provides a strong foundation for the Nature Restoration Fund across England.
Consultation details
The consultation will be open from Thursday 17 September 2026 to 27 October 2026 to view the draft EDP and take part in the consultation, click here.
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