Government accelerates planning reforms

The government has announced that clean energy projects, public transport links, and other major infrastructure will on average be delivered at least a year faster, as planning reforms are accelerated.

Through amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, statutory consultation requirements unique to major infrastructure projects will be scrapped, in bid to cut down the average two-year statutory pre-consultation period by half.

New statutory guidance will be set out to promote meaningful local engagement, allowing changes to be made dynamically based on community feedback, reducing delays and potentially saving over £1 billion for industry and taxpayers this Parliament.

The Planning Inspectorate will still maintain high standards for accepting projects, informed by community engagement.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “Critical national infrastructure is key to Britain’s future and security – so we can’t afford to have projects held up by tiresome requirements and uncertainty, caused by a system that is not working for communities or developers and holding back our true potential.

“We are strengthening the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to make sure we can lead the world again with new roads, railways, and energy infrastructure as part of the Plan for Change, whilst ensuring local people still have a say in our journey to get Britain building.”

Carl Trowell, President of Strategic Infrastructure, National Grid, said: “Consulting with communities and stakeholders will always be a fundamental part of the way we at National Grid develop and shape our projects. We welcome the Government’s proposal today which will ensure that consultation and engagement can be more effective and targeted. This will accelerate the path to delivering critical infrastructure while continuing to ensure the views of local communities are heard.”