Planning Framework - Advice, training, and specialist planning input
Contract Value:
GBP 9M -
Notice Type:
Prior Information Notice
Published Date:
20 May 2026
Closing Date:
Location(s):
UK UNITED KINGDOM
UKI LONDON (UK UNITED KINGDOM)
Description:
Natural England seeks ongoing specialist planning support for its Sustainable Development Programme, including advice on complex casework and training, and is inviting supplier feedback to inform the development of a new multi-supplier framework.
Natural England requires ongoing specialist planning support to assist delivery of its Sustainable Development Programme. This includes the provision of statutory and non‑statutory planning advice on complex casework (including HRA, SEA/SA and EIA), support for national policy and legislative development across terrestrial and marine planning, and the delivery of training to address identified skills and capacity gaps. To maintain continuity beyond the expiry of the current Planning Related Advice – Professional Services (PRAPS) Framework, which ends on 31 March 2027, Natural England intends to re‑procure a multi‑supplier framework of similar scope. This will enable the continued delivery of statutory duties, sustain casework performance, strengthen strategic engagement in the planning system, and support improved environmental outcomes.
We are seeking supplier feedback, insights and expressions of interest to inform the development and final design of the proposed Framework. Suppliers wishing to participate in this pre‑market engagement are invited to request a copy of the Pre‑Market Engagement Pack by contacting Virginia Rincon. The pack contains background information and a supplier questionnaire for completion. The deadline for submission of completed questionnaires is Monday 15 June 2026. Responses, together with any queries strictly relating to this pre‑market engagement, must be submitted to: virginia.rincon@defra.gov.uk. Please note: Participation in this engagement is voluntary and non‑binding, and will not form part of any future procurement evaluation process.