In the Planning and Infrastructure Act (2025) the government put in place new mechanisms to protect creatures like great crested newts, when they are threatened by new construction. Rather than insisting on ‘localised and often costly mitigation measures’, a new Nature Restoration Fund would take a more strategic approach to protecting habitats, ‘leveraging economies of scale and reducing the need for costly project-level assessments’.
One aspect of this is the development of Environmental Delivery Plans. Natural England is developing great crested newt EDPs in selected areas across England and is seeking construction industry expertise to ensure the new approach is effective, manageable, and impactful.
The research targets those with practical expertise in areas like property development and housebuilding, infrastructure, and utilities. It will be used to shape how EDPs are designed and implemented across England, helping to ensure the new system is practical for the construction sector.
One hour interviews for the research project are being conducted by LUC (Land Use Consultants) and ICF. Those interested in contributing can book an interview time or complete a survey online.
The deadline to take part has been extended to May 29 2026.
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