2026 environmental compliance checklist

Professionals involved in development, such as those at housebuilders and local authorities, need to stay informed about the latest developments in environmental compliance. To help with this, Thomson Environmental Consultants has produced the 2026 environmental compliance checklist.

This year will see a range of environmental legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates in the UK. The new environmental compliance checklist is an easy-to-digest, downloadable guide that serves as a quick reference to ensure you know what needs to be done, when, and how to comply.

The checklist is available for down load here.

[edit] Early 2026

[edit] BNG - NSIP Consultation Response

Government response expected early 2026 ahead of mandatory rollout. Applies to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).

[edit] BS 5837

(Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition & Construction)Comment resolution phase begins February 2026. Updated standard expected to be approved and published later in 2026.

[edit] Scotland

[edit] Natural Environment Bill

Stage 3 expected early 2026, ahead of Scottish Parliament dissolution in May 2026.Final amendments and vote before Royal Assent.

[edit] Wales

[edit] Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) Bill.

Stage 2 expected early 2026.. Royal Assent possible later in 2026.

[edit] NPPF Consultation

(Conserving and enhancing the natural environment) Closes March 2026. Response expected later in 2026.

[edit] March 2026

[edit] Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) Protected Sites.

Delivery of up to 12 protected site strategies. Focus on pollution reduction and habitat degradation.

[edit] April 2026

[edit] Climate Change Levy (CCL)

New rates apply from 1 April 2026.

[edit] May 2026

[edit] Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Biodiversity net gain likely to be required for NSIPs from May 2026.

[edit] Scotland

[edit] Scottish Parliamentary Elections.

Deadline for passing the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill before elections.

[edit] Throughout 2026

[edit] BNG Changes Minor & Brownfield Developments

Adjustments expected for: Small sites <0.2ha, Brownfield sites with potential, exemption of sites <2.5ha and wider changes to simplify the process.

[edit] Water (Special Measures) Act 2025

Enforced throughout 2026:

• Pollution Incident Reduction Plans (PIRPs)
• Consideration of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)
• Stronger penalties for missed pollution targets

[edit] Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs)

First EDPs for nutrients expected late 2026.

[edit] Bathing Water Regulations

Introduction of a new feasibility assessment framework.

[edit] Flood Risk Activity Permits

Increased exemptions for low-risk activities to support development and infrastructure.

[edit] Scotland

[edit] BNG - Scottish Biodiversity Metric

Consultation mid-2026, adoption 2027.

[edit] Trees & Planning Standards

BS 3998:2010 (Tree Work - Recommendations) Under review via open consultation. No confirmed publication date.

BS 42020 (Planning & Development Code of Practice). Update expected during 2026.

[edit] Wales

[edit] Tree & Woodland Protection

Planning (Wales) Bill replaces 1999 regulations.Expected to come into force in 2026. Introduces:

• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
• Woodland Preservation Orders (WPOs)
• Broader definition of amenity
• Simplified procedures

[edit] November 2026

[edit] Post-Legislative Response to the Environment Act

Government response expected November 2026.

[edit] Expected in 2026

[edit] Following publication of the Independant Water Commission White Paper

• UK and Welsh Governments to jointly publish the 2026 Transition Plan (accompanied by interim strategic guidance for the current regulators).
• Water Reform Bill introduced to Parliament.

[edit] Further details on the Government response to the Nuclear Regulatory Review 2025 and potential changes to environmental legislation such as the Habitats Regulations.