Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects - Advice on working with public bodies in the infrastructure planning process, Annex H: Evidence Plans for Habitats Regulations Assessments of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects
Summary
The Planning Inspectorate has published updated advice on using Evidence Plans for Habitats Regulations Assessments in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). The guidance explains how applicants can agree information requirements early with statutory nature conservation bodies to support Development Consent Order applications and reduce delays linked to habitats compliance, while noting that the annex will be updated to reflect the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.
Why it matters
Although aimed at NSIPs rather than routine residential work, the guidance is relevant to surveyors involved in large-scale housing or mixed-use schemes that may trigger infrastructure planning and environmental assessment requirements. It highlights the importance of early evidence gathering, consultation and compliance planning where habitats and environmental constraints may affect project delivery.
Key points
- Evidence Plans can be agreed voluntarily at the pre-application stage for NSIPs in England, or England and Wales.
- They help applicants provide sufficient information for Habitats Regulations Assessments and Development Consent Order applications.
- The approach is intended to reduce delay caused by habitats-related issues during application development.
- The annex is co-authored with Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
- The guidance will be updated to align with the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.
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