Photo by Red Zepplin
The UK Government has announced environmental reforms to break planning system gridlock, backed by £500m to accelerate decision-making and fund nature restoration. The package includes support for the flagship Nature Restoration Fund and a new Marine Recovery Fund, alongside money to boost regulatory capacity. Ministers said the changes are designed to process applications faster “without compromising on environmental protections.”
Under the model, developer contributions will be pooled into strategic projects—rather than delivered case-by-case—so that actions like habitat creation or nutrient reduction can be planned at landscape scale. The approach was first set out in December 2024 proposals to “enable developers to meet certain environmental obligations through a single payment into the Nature Restoration Fund.”
To streamline approvals, the Government will pilot a Lead Environmental Regulator model, starting with the Lower Thames Crossing, where Natural England will coordinate input from the Environment Agency and the Marine Management Organisation. A new Defra Group Infrastructure Board will also monitor more than 50 nationally significant projects, including Hinkley Point C, East West Rail and Heathrow expansion, to resolve issues early.
In a press release Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: “These changes will get spades in the ground quicker so developers can build the homes families need.” Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner added: “We have been stuck with a status quo that has stopped us building the homes we need, and has done nothing for nature’s recovery.”
Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, welcomed the pilot, saying: “Infrastructure, housing and nature are not competing interests. Sustainable development and nature recovery must go hand in hand.” The Government said the new Marine Recovery Fund will pay for strategic compensatory measures where offshore wind adversely affects marine protected areas, supporting the clean power mission.
Policy observers note that, alongside these reforms, reports suggest ministers are exploring further planning changes that could adjust or remove some protections to speed up delivery—moves that have drawn criticism from green groups.
For marine stakeholders, the key takeaway is the arrival of a dedicated funding stream for offshore wind compensation and a more coordinated regulatory interface—changes that could materially affect consenting pathways in and around marine protected areas.