Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP): Advice on working with public bodies in the infrastructure planning process, Annex C: Natural England and the Planning Inspectorate
Summary
The Planning Inspectorate has published Annex C to Advice Note 11 to explain how Natural England works with applicants and the Inspectorate during the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) process. The note highlights Natural England’s advisory role on environmental matters, including EIA, Habitats Regulations, SSSI protection, protected species licensing, agricultural land, and landscape issues, and says the annex will be updated to reflect changes introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may encounter NSIP-related schemes where environmental constraints, protected sites, or agricultural land considerations affect land use, valuation, and development potential. The update also signals a changing planning and compliance context that surveyors advising clients on land or development proposals should monitor.
Key points
- Annex C explains Natural England’s role in the NSIP planning process.
- The guidance is not yet updated for the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 changes.
- Natural England advises on EIA, Habitats Regulations, SSSI matters, protected species, and landscape issues.
- From 1 April 2024, Natural England can recover costs for advice on NSIP applications.
- The note points to environmental net gain ambitions linked to major infrastructure development.
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