The government has set out changes that will remove the requirement for a number of environmental permits before construction projects can begin in a bid to boost housebuilding.
The changes will see “low-risk” activities such as site investigation works, the storage of waste materials and drainage operations, no longer requiring an environmental permit, which environment minister, Emma Hardy, said would “unleash an era of building”.
The government said that these activities only present a “minimal risk” but can slow the progress of new developments, adding up to 16 weeks of delays for housebuilders.
Hardy’s announcement of the changes to the permitting system, so that these activities will be exempt from the permit application process. Under the changes, the Environment Agency will be given the power to decide which activities will no longer require a permit.
Hardy said: “We are committed to ensuring that environmental regulation works for everyone – protecting our towns and countryside from harm and delivering sustainable development.
“As part of the plan for change, a common-sense approach to environmental permitting in England will boost economic growth and unleash an era of building, while also keeping people and the environment safe.”
The changes will be implemented as soon as possible, although the decision to implement in Wales will be delayed until after the Senedd elections in May 2026.
Jo Nettleton, chief regulator of the Environment Agency, said: “Protecting the environment and sustainable development can and must go hand-in-hand. We welcome the government’s efforts to drive economic growth through a more proportionate permitting regime.”
“We have engaged closely with the consultation on reforms to environmental permitting, and look forward to continuing our work as a fair and proportionate regulator for people and the environment, while supporting business and sustainable economic growth.”
Source: Showhouse
