Natural England announced on 1 October 2026 a change to how it provides planning advice, saying it would concentrate on proposals posing the greatest risks or opportunities for nature and engage earlier in the planning process. Under the reforms, routine matters covered by established guidance or upfront advice are to be handled by local planning authorities. The regulator said its statutory responsibilities and protections for habitats, species and designated sites remain in place.

The reforms were reported as beginning gradually, supported by updated guidance, engagement and tools. Natural England described them as part of wider planning system changes, including the statutory consultee system.

Chief Executive Neil Hornby, whose first day in post coincided with the announcement, said the approach would focus expertise where it can have the greatest impact for nature while supporting efficient decision making. He said Natural England was focused on nature recovery and legal Environment Act targets while supporting the government's growth ambition. The changes were set out in Natural England's Operational Statement; the publisher said the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 amended the body's duty under Section 4 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, but only for planning casework under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.