The nature restoration levy works together with Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) and the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF), providing an alternative way for housing and infrastructure developers in England to meet environmental requirements for a development.
Natural England is responsible for the development of EDPs, which identify strategic conservation measures for areas to address the environmental impacts on habitats and species. EDPs are funded by the NRF and payments of the nature restoration levy.
Where a development is covered by an EDP and eligible for the nature restoration levy, a developer can pay the levy to meet their requirements to protection the environment and comply with The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 rather than implementing project/site specific measures to protect habits and species.
To use the nature restoration levy a developer must:
- Check whether an EDP is in place for the development.
- Get a quote for the estimated nature restoration levy.
- Apply to Natural England to confirm eligibility and get a levy commitment certificate.
- Submit the levy commitment certificate and planning application to the planning authority within 6 months of the certificate being issued.
- Pay the levy (either in-full or in instalments agreed with Natural England).
The nature restoration levy was introduced through The Nature Restoration Levy Regulations 2026 in September 2026.
Natural England launched the mandatory consultation for the first EDP in September 2026, covering the impact of nutrient pollution from wastewater and surface water runoff from the development of houses in areas of Norfolk. 23 EDPs are currently planned across England, the first 16 focus on nutrient pollution, with a further 7 to address the impacts of developments on great crested newts.
FAQs
No, it can only be used where an EDP is in force for the development area and its associated environmental impacts and has capacity to cover the impacts of the development. Natural England will confirm eligibility for a development.
No, the 10% BNG is a separate mandatory requirement for a development.
Yes, unless an EDP for an area makes the levy mandatory.
Yes, a developer can ask Natural England to cancel their commitment in certain situations, such as where planning has not been applied for, has been denied or the developer decides not to continue with the development.
