The Government has announced a £500m package of environmental planning reforms designed to speed up homebuilding and infrastructure delivery while safeguarding nature.
Ministers said the changes would help deliver 1.5 million homes and fast-track 150 planning decisions on major infrastructure projects by the end of this Parliament.
The funding will support the Government’s flagship Nature Restoration and Marine Recovery Fund schemes and boost capacity in the planning system.
This includes increasing resources for Natural England and the Environment Agency, allowing them to process planning applications faster using spatial planning and digital technologies.
As part of the shake-up, the Lower Thames Crossing will become the first major infrastructure project to have a single lead environmental regulator.
Natural England will coordinate with the Environment Agency and the Marine Management Organisation to provide a joined-up response, cutting delays caused by overlapping authorities.
A new Defra Group Infrastructure Board will also oversee at least 50 major projects, including Hinkley Point C, East West Rail and Heathrow expansion.
The Government said early oversight will help identify and resolve challenges sooner, such as the environmental obstacles that delayed parts of HS2.
The reforms also reflect recommendations from the Corry Review of environmental regulation, published in April 2025.
Of the 29 proposals made by Dan Corry, former head of the No10 Policy Unit, nine are already being fast-tracked by Defra, with further decisions expected on the remaining 20.
Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “People can’t find affordable homes to live in because Britain’s broken planning system has blocked building work, and that’s pushed up prices.
“These changes will get spades in the ground quicker so developers can build the homes families need.
“This is all part of the Government’s Plan for Change that will boost the economy and create jobs by building more homes and also provide new funding from developers to benefit nature.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “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.
“Communities deserve better, that’s why we’re pushing ahead with our pro-growth reforms to not only deliver vital homes and infrastructure, but drive real, lasting recovery for the environment.
“This is another step towards our 1.5 million homes Plan for Change target which will restore the dream of homeownership, end the housing crisis, and boost economic growth across the country.”
