The UK Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill: A catalyst for economic growth and clean energy

The UK Government recently introduced the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to parliament, aiming to kickstart economic growth and establish Britain as a clean energy powerhouse.

This Bill focusses on streamlining the planning process primarily in England and Wales, with some provisions extending to Scotland. The goal is to expedite the consenting regime for developing new homes and infrastructure.

Key Highlights for Infrastructure Development:

Pre-application and proportionality

Simplifying initial stages of the consenting regime to ensure efficient and proportional planning. Provisions include streamlining consultation requirements for nationally significant infrastructure projects.

Targeted threshold

Applying specific thresholds to different types of nationally significant infrastructure development.

Regular updates to the National Policy Statements

Reflecting current needs and priorities to provide more clarity from national guidelines.

Community benefits

A new funding mechanism introduced to infrastructure developers so communities can gain from the network infrastructure being sited in their vicinity.

Compulsory Purchase Reform

Unlocking land for large-scale investments through reforms in compulsory purchase processes.

Joined-up approach

Introducing a coordinated strategy to meet infrastructure needs across local planning authority areas.

These reforms are designed to create a more efficient and sustainable development framework, supporting the UK’s ambitions for economic growth and clean energy leadership.

The Carter Jonas consenting team works across a range of infrastructure projects, both large and small scale, and as diverse as new electricity lines, roads, railways and water schemes.