Exemptions reform to the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016

We want to know what you think about our proposals to reform the process for setting and amending environmental permitting exemptions.

It is an opportunity to provide additional data and information, whether for or against.

We received 79 responses from a range of individuals, businesses, public bodies and others. Of these responses, 64 responses were submitted via the Citizen Space portal and 15 were submitted via email.

Given the general support for these proposals, Defra plans to take appropriate steps so that the required amendments to the Environmental Permitting Regulations in England can be made in 2026. 

In Wales, the Welsh Government supports the need for implementing these changes but, due to the timing of this publication, will not take a decision on amendments to regulations until after the Senedd elections in May 2026.