District Level Licensing

What is District Level Licensing?

District Level Licencing (DLL) is an alternative option to traditional mitigation licencing for Great Crested Newts. Still compliant with the legal duty to protect Great Crested Newts, DLL differs by requiring a financial contribution towards off-site compensation ponds. DLL is not always an option for development, professional ecologists should be consulted to understand what options are open for development projects.

District Level Licensing in Telford and Wrekin

District Level Licencing for Great Crested Newts has changed in Telford & Wrekin. Previously the Local Planning Authority (LPA) led Strategic Newt Licencing scheme was the DLL route for developments within the borough.

From February 2025, the licencing of developments under DLL in Telford & Wrekin has transferred to Natural England, who oversee the DLL across wider Shropshire. As Telford & Wrekin now forms part of the Shropshire strategy area for DLL, all applications for new licences must be registered with Natural England.

Read the Natural England DLL Guidance

For developments approved and/or licenced under the previous Telford & Wrekin Strategic Newt Licencing scheme, Telford & Wrekin Council are still the main point of contact regarding licencing queries. The LPA retains the authority to administer these active schemes including updating and monitoring licences as necessary. If you have a query about an existing Great Crested Newt DLL licence, please email teds@telford.gov.uk

Last updated: 24/02/2025 14:22