Natural England has published a pipeline notice setting out its intention to go out to tender in August 2026 with a framework contract for £9.6 million Planning Related Advice Professional Services with an estimated value of £9.6 million including VAT.
Photo: Nautral England Head Office York
Natural England is the government’s statutory adviser for the natural environment in England and a statutory consultee across the terrestrial and marine planning systems.
The organisation plays a central role in advising on development and infrastructure planning, shaping environmental outcomes in plans and projects, and supporting the delivery of national ambitions such as the 25 Year Environment Plan.
It now intends to establish a new Open Framework to replace the current Natural
England Planning Related Advice Professional Services (NE PRAPS) Framework
(established under PCR 2015), which expires in 2027.
The new framework will operate for up to an eight year period, with multiple suppliers appointed across a range of technical Lots.
The framework will provide access to suppliers with the capability to deliver specialist
planning related advice and training across Natural England’s Sustainable Development (SD) Programme.
Suppliers appointed to the framework will support Natural England in meeting its statutory obligations as a consultee in land use and marine planning, infrastructure planning systems, and environmental assessments.
Framework suppliers will provide expert advice on strategic plans, medium and high risk or high opportunity planning casework, and associated environmental assessments including Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), Strategic Environmental Assessment / bSustainability Appraisal (SEA/SA), and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
They will also support Natural England’s national planning work, including input on planning and infrastructure legislation, policy and processes, and on wider environmental reforms affecting planning and assessment regimes.
Scope of services covered will additionally encompass advice across a wide range of
environmental and technical specialisms relevant to development and infrastructure
(terrestrial and marine), including the provision of evidence based assessments and analysis.
Current estimated start and end contract dates are 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2031, with a further possible extension option up to 31 March 2035.
Current estimated publication date of a formal tender notice
is 10 August 2026.
The procurement is being led by Defra Group Commercial on behalf of Natural England.
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