The UK government has announced reforms to the environmental permitting system in England, aiming to accelerate the construction of new homes and infrastructure by reducing waiting times for permits.

Under the new measures, the region's Environment Agency will have increased authority to decide which activities may be exempt from environmental permit requirements, particularly those considered low risk.

The updated system is expected to allow builders to start site investigations and drainage works more quickly, as certain preliminary construction activities will no longer require a permit if they meet established controls, stated the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

The changes, outlined by environment minister Emma Hardy yesterday (27 October), are part of the government’s ‘Regulation Action Plan’ and response to calls for a more proportionate permitting regime.

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 government stated these adjustments support wider efforts to lower administrative costs for businesses and unblock hindrances in the planning and development process.

At present, activities such as storing waste materials, conducting site investigations, or managing drainage often trigger the need for environmental permits before work can start, even when these are regarded as presenting minimal risk, said Defra.

Under the new system, certain low-risk activities that meet specified conditions will be exempt from permit applications.

This could reduce delays in construction projects by up to 16 weeks and generate cost savings for businesses, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises and farms.

The reforms come in the wake of recommendations from Dan Corry’s review of Defra’s regulatory landscape, which highlighted the need for regulators to make risk-based decisions.

The government has stated that necessary legislation will be introduced when parliament allows.

Officials indicate these measures will assist in meeting the government’s target of building 1.5 million homes and associated infrastructure in England.

Safeguards will remain in place to protect the environment, with all exemptions subject to appropriate controls, concluded Defra.