England’s planning system has switched on a new approach to restoring nature alongside development. A statutory instrument made on 18 December 2025 brings the Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) framework and the power to set a nature restoration levy into force, with further provisions starting on 18 February 2026. Natural England can begin preparing EDPs immediately, and annual reporting starts on 1 April 2026. ([gov.uk](Link

EDPs are area‑based plans that set out the environmental features to be improved, the impacts to be addressed and the conservation measures needed to deliver those improvements. Once an EDP is made, developers will be able to meet certain legal obligations by paying a levy, while Natural England delivers measures at scale. Plans will be publicly consulted on and approved by the Secretary of State, and decisions must use the best available scientific evidence. Natural England also references an Overall Improvement Test to ensure outcomes materially outweigh impacts. ([gov.uk](Link

The levy will pool payments to fund strategic projects-cleaning up rivers, restoring wetlands and creating accessible green spaces-starting with catchments affected by nutrient pollution. Government expects the first EDPs in 2026, intended to unblock stalled housing while improving nature at landscape scale. ([gov.uk](Link

Beyond EDPs, the same commencement schedule switches on new sustainability and climate duties for England’s development corporations from 18 February 2026. For the first time, New Town, Urban and Mayoral Development Corporations must aim to contribute to sustainable development and to climate change mitigation and adaptation, with modernised powers to deliver infrastructure. ([legislation.gov.uk](Link

Policy for nationally significant infrastructure will be kept up to date more reliably. The Act now requires every National Policy Statement to undergo a full review and amendment at least every five years, with additional parliamentary steps for material changes-important for aligning energy, water and transport projects with climate and nature goals. ([legislation.gov.uk](Link

Accountability is explicit. Natural England must publish a mid‑point and end‑point report for each EDP covering levy income, spend and remaining development headroom. From 1 April 2026 it must also publish an annual report on all EDP functions, to be laid before Parliament. ([legislation.gov.uk](Link

The urgency is clear. The State of Nature 2023 coalition reports average UK wildlife abundance down 19% since 1970, and 13% of assessed species in England threatened with extinction. Government’s own indicator shows the relative abundance index in England at 67% of its 1970 level in 2023. EDPs aim to bring long‑term funding and planning certainty to turn that curve. ([stateofnature.org.uk](Link

What should local leaders and developers do now? Start shaping proposals that line up with Local Nature Recovery Strategies and the Environmental Improvement Plan. For nationally significant projects, plan for Biodiversity Net Gain by May 2026. Expect most EDPs to reference and build on LNRS evidence, with Natural England convening partners as consultations open. ([gov.uk](Link

Concerns raised during the bill’s passage still need practical answers. The Office for Environmental Protection says government remains largely off‑track on its legal nature goals; some experts also warned that a poorly designed levy could enable weak mitigation. The Act’s science tests, public consultation and Secretary of State oversight are intended safeguards, but transparent data and independent scrutiny will be the measure of trust. ([theoep.org.uk](Link

Key dates to watch: Natural England’s EDP preparation and levy‑regulation powers have applied since 19 December 2025; wider reforms-including development corporation climate duties and five‑yearly NPS reviews-apply from 18 February 2026; annual reporting begins on 1 April 2026. Expect the first EDP consultations to land in early 2026. ([simplifisolutions.co.uk](Link