VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Nature Conservation: Planning

Asked by Chris HinchliffLabourMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 15 January 2026UIN 104528

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, further to the Answer of 15 December to Question 97083 on Nature Conservation: Planning, what further external engagement is planned; at what stage in the implementation process will this take place; and how will external stakeholders be consulted.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

In preparing Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs), Natural England is engaging with a range of stakeholders.

The government, and Natural England, will continue to work closely with local authorities, developers, environmental groups and other stakeholders to gather and assess the data needed to underpin each EDP. As required by the Planning and Infrastructure Act, all EDPs will also be subject to a 28 working day public consultation.

The Implementation Plan for the Nature Restoration Fund was published on 18 December 2025 on and can be found on gov.uk here.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim