Clean energy projects, public transport links, and other major infrastructure will, on average, be delivered at least a year faster, as the government accelerates planning reforms to unleash growth and restore Britain's place as a world leader in building.
In a statement by Matthew Pennycook, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, he explained that statutory consultation requirements unique to major infrastructure projects will be scrapped, through amendments to the pro-growth Planning and Infrastructure Bill, cutting down the average two-year statutory pre-consultation period by half and "paving the way for new roads, railways, and windfarms that will bolster the country's connectivity and energy security".
Developers currently spend significant time and money on long, technical documents resulting in communities feeling fatigued and confused, which is a direct result of overly complex planning rules that are leaving working people deprived of the things their areas need to thrive. It also disincentives developers making improvements to projects for fear of having to re-consult, even if in the community's best interest. Examples of delays under the current system include:
Recognising community voices remain vital and the government aims to bring this process in line with planning applications for major housing schemes, and set out new statutory guidance to promote meaningful local engagement without repeating these flaws. This will allow changes to be made dynamically based on community feedback, reducing delays and potentially saving over £1 billion for industry and taxpayers.
Pennycook stated: "These changes will help ensure Britain is open for business, attracting billions of pounds of new private investment".
This aims to go even further in streamlining infrastructure delivery through the government's landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill, as part of the Plan for Change to:
The reforms will also boost the government's efforts to build 1.5 million homes by making it easier to deliver the roads, reservoirs and energy generation needed so we can restore the dream of homeownership to families across the country.
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".
Alongside statutory guidance for developers on applications, the Planning Inspectorate will maintain high standards for accepting projects, informed by community engagement. Local authorities will also be made aware of proposed applications so that they can continue to play an important role informing and advising on developments, as well as advocating for local interests.
As a result, local people can still object and share their views but in a more effective way, with developers given then flexibility to adapt their schemes as needed without restarting the process, reducing delays and costs for projects, including datacentres, reservoirs, and solar farms, while ensuring local people's voices are heard.
Meanwhile the government is already taking action, consenting more nationally significant solar projects, including the Mallard Pass Solar Project in Lincolnshire, and making the largest ever investment in offshore wind, as they deliver their Plan for Change milestone of 150 decisions on major infrastructure projects by the end of the Parliament.
Wider reforms in the Bill will:
Carl Trowell, President of Strategic Infrastructure at 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".
Sam Richards, CEO of pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade, said: "Today’s bold reforms to cut red tape and get vital infrastructure delivered faster are a big step toward unlocking clean energy, better transport, and the homes Britain desperately needs. Too often consultation is a long and expensive box ticking exercise. By slashing delays and encouraging real community engagement, the government is backing growth, investment, and the kind of national renewal we all want to see".
The government intends to publish statutory guidance setting out strong expectations that developers undertake consultation and engagement prior to submitting an application. The government will work with stakeholders to design this guidance, launching a public consultation in the summer, so that it encourages best practice without recreating the flaws of the current system.
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