Request environmental permit and coordination support for nature projects
How to get support for nature projects that require a range of environmental permits and licences.
Applies to England
This guidance describes how you can ask the Environment Agency to coordinate pre-application advice and decisions for large or complex nature projects. This is called nature permitting and coordination.
You can use this optional service help you effectively submit multiple applications for large projects.
Project types this service supports
You can ask the Environment Agency for extra coordination if your project:
- is to improve and enhance the environment for nature, or is funded by an Environmental Land Management (ELM) grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
- requires multiple environmental permits or licences, or a combination of both
Examples of nature projects could include:
- river or coastal restoration
- habitats creation such as wetlands
- landscape recovery
- nature-based solutions such as natural flood management schemes
- peatland restoration
Nature permitting and coordination applies to:
- flood risk activity permits
- groundwater activity permits (also required if you want a licence to abstract groundwater)
- abstraction licences (includes water transfer)
- impoundment licences
- waste permits
- water discharge permits
What you will get
If you use the nature permitting and coordination service, you can get early advice on:
- when to apply for permits and licences
- how to avoid delays
It will give you a single point of contact to:
- manage multiple requests for pre-application advice and permit applications
- provide you with regular updates on progress
- work with different teams across the Environment Agency to provide you with project specific advice and timely decisions
If your project uses the nature permitting and coordination service, you should request enhanced (paid-for) pre-application advice to make sure your applications are of good quality.
The nature permitting and coordination service does not replace the normal application process. You still need to submit all necessary applications using the required forms and supporting information.
How much it costs
The nature permitting and coordination service costs £100 an hour plus VAT.
You will get a written cost estimate before the Environment Agency starts work coordinating your project. This will include:
- a list of the work they will carry out
- when you will be charged
If you send new information related to your request, the Environment Agency may need to revise the cost estimate. They will write to you to agree any changes to the scope of the work.
If you can, you should provide the following as early as possible:
- a high-level project proposal
- what applications you plan to submit and when
- critical project milestones
You must pay the charges promptly. If you do not, this will lead to delays or the Environment Agency withdrawing the service.
Request coordination
To request nature permitting and coordination support for your project, complete the form.
You will need to give information about:
- your project and its location
- the number of landowners that are involved
- any Defra funding
- if the project has or needs planning permission
Contact npc@environment-agency.gov.uk if:
- you cannot use the form
- you have other questions about the service
After you have sent your request
The Environment Agency will:
- contact you to discuss your project proposal and timetable
- either agree to provide a coordination service or explain why they cannot
- provide an estimate of their charges for the service
Withdrawing the service
The nature permitting and coordination service is optional. The Environment Agency can stop providing the service if:
- you do not pay charges on time
- you do not give enough information in your requests
- you do not follow their advice
- they do not have the resources or people available to provide the service
Other support to help you prepare applications
If the nature permitting and coordination service is not suitable for your project, there is other support available.
Permit and licence guidance
Check the guidance on:
- applying for a water abstraction or impounding licence
- discharges to surface water and groundwater: environmental permits
- flood risk activities: environmental permits
- waste: environmental permits
Pre-application advice
You can request free and enhanced advice. Find out how to:
- get advice before you apply for an environmental permit
- get advice before you apply for a water abstraction or impounding licence
For some applications you can ask to submit information in stages.
Permit coordination for major projects
If you are not a nature project and are looking for a tracked service, check the guidance on how to request environmental permit coordination for major projects.