Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects - Advice on working with public bodies in the infrastructure planning process - Annex D: Environment Agency
Summary
This Planning Inspectorate annex explains the Environment Agency’s role in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project process and how applicants should engage with it alongside the Development Consent Order regime. It highlights the need to consider environmental permits, consents and licences early to avoid delays, and notes that the annex will be updated to reflect changes introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may encounter schemes affected by infrastructure consenting, environmental regulation and associated delays, particularly where wider development or land assembly is involved. The note also signals evolving procedural and legal context that can affect project timelines and compliance expectations.
Key points
- The annex is co-authored with the Environment Agency and supports applicants in the NSIP/DCO process.
- Applicants are advised to plan for non-planning permits, licences and consents early to reduce delay risk.
- The Environment Agency regulates activities affecting the environment and people, including compliance monitoring and enforcement.
- The annex does not yet reflect changes from the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and will be updated.
- The Environment Agency is a mandated consultee under the Planning Act 2008 and may also be an interested party.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
