Planning Framework - Advice, training, and specialist planning input

NATURAL ENGLAND

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

20 May 2026 at 14:14

Planning

09 Apr 2026 at 11:24

Summary of the contracting process

Natural England, based in London, is currently in the planning stage of re-procuring a comprehensive multi-supplier framework aimed at delivering planning-related advice and specialist input for its Sustainable Development Programme. This planning framework encompasses urban planning, environmental and training services, with a projected value of £10.8 million. The key procurement process is an open procedure scheduled to commence on 1 April 2027 and conclude by 31 March 2035. Prospective suppliers can engage in pre-market consultations until 15 June 2026 by requesting an engagement pack from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) contact point, Virginia Rincon.

This tender provides a significant opportunity for businesses offering specialist planning support, environmental assessments, and strategic consultancy services, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with experience in terrestrial and marine planning systems. As Natural England strengthens its engagement in planning and licensing, the framework aims to fill skills gaps, enhance environmental outcomes, and support policy development. Suppliers contributing to these areas can leverage this framework to gain long-term procurement contracts with a central government agency, bolstering business growth and securing a steady pipeline of work over the upcoming years.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Planning Framework - Advice, training, and specialist planning input

Notice Description

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.

Planning Information

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.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067eee
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046513-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

80 - Education and training services

90 - Sewage, refuse, cleaning and environmental services


CPV Codes

71410000 - Urban planning services

80500000 - Training services

90700000 - Environmental services

90711000 - Environmental impact assessment other than for construction

90712000 - Environmental planning

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£9,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
10 Aug 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2035 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NATURAL ENGLAND
Additional Buyers

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DF
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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