New planning rules to accelerate delivery of major infrastructure

The government has unveiled new planning rules to speed up major infrastructure projects, such as offshore windfarms or new transport links. 

The Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) Action Plan, published yesterday, outlines government strategies to speed up the creation of new transport links, offshore wind farms and waste water management facilities.

This is to improve connectivity around the UK, increase energy security and deliver Net Zero by 2050 – cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible.

A new fast-track project will be piloted, with the Secretary of State, Suella Braverman, set to shorten timescales for certain projects. Changes in the plan also include introducing increased community engagement and making environmental protections more effective.

In an attempt to include communities in the process of delivering infrastructure projects, the government is granting them access to view Planning Performing Agreements – a project management tool which the local planning authorities and applicants can use to agree timescales, actions and resources.

Local Government Minister, Lee Rowley MP, said: ‘We are determined to level up communities, spread opportunity and drive economic growth across the country.

‘For us to meet our goals, it is vital we have the right infrastructure in place now and for the future.

‘The plan we have published…demonstrates the commitment across government to ensuring the planning system supports us to improve our energy security and deliver the major transport links and essential facilities this country needs to thrive.’

The new plan correlates with one of the Prime Ministers top five priorities, which he outlined at the beginning of the year to improve England’s status.  

One of Rishi Sunak’s plans included delivering economic growth – by improving connectivity and transport links, this will assist with creating new jobs, improve opportunities for people in communities across England and boost local economies.

A vast number of government departments were included in helping to deliver the new action plan including, The Department for Transport, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Energy Security and Net Zero.

Photo by Nicholas Doherty