Natural England - Spatial planning

Spatial planning

Spatial planning brings together and integrates policies for the development and use of land with other policies and programmes which influence the nature of places and how they function.

Why is Natural England involved in spatial planning?

Our work helps ensure that the spatial planning system:

  • conserves and enhances the natural environment through the wise use of natural resources;

  • mitigates and adapts to the impacts of climate change;

  • provides the highest levels of protection for England's protected landscapes, habitats, sites and species;

  • is based on robust environmental evidence and a thorough understanding of environmental capacity and the cumulative impacts of development;

  • delivers substantial benefits for the natural environment and people together. This should include enhancement of biodiversity and landscape, opportunities to access and enjoy the natural environment and the provision of multi-functional green infrastructure.

How is Natural England involved in spatial planning?

We are a statutory consultee on environmental assessment processes and many development proposals.

We are also a statutory consultee on regional spatial strategies, local development frameworks, strategic environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment and many development proposals. We have particular responsibilities for National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation, Ramsar Sites, National Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and protected species.

Useful pointers on improving the environmental quality of new development can be found in the joint agency publication Environmental Quality in Spatial Planning: (638kb)pdf document along with their supplementary files: (479kb)pdf document.

Nature After Minerals Programme

Natural England and the RSPB work in partnership in The Nature After Minerals Programmeexternal link, with support from the Mineral Products Association and working with mineral planners and industry to help nature following minerals extraction.

View more information about the programme: (23kb)pdf document.