UK government plans to ‘streamline’ delivery of critical infrastructure with new legislation

The Ministry of Housing and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the Bill, which will be formally introduced to Parliament this week, would set out a new approach to prioritising infrastructure rather the “flawed first come, first served” process that currently exists.

“For decades, developers, energy companies and businesses have been inundated with lengthy processes and planning delays that have acted as a barrier to growth, and the forthcoming Bill will set out how the delivery processes for critical infrastructure will be streamlined,” it said.

The government is particularly keen to speed up the construction of new energy infrastructure, with decisions for onshore wind, solar power, electricity grids, hydrogen, carbon capture, and nuclear power stations to be fast-tracked.

It has already pledged to make planning decisions on at least 150 major infrastructure projects, including wind, solar, and hydrogen, in this Parliament. That compares to 57 decisions made in the previous Parliament and more than 130 made since 2011.

Other reforms in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill include replacing street works licences with permits to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicle chargepoints.

It would also change planning rules for new, clean electricity infrastructure in Scotland, such as onshore wind farms and pylons.

Welcoming news of the Bill, Dr Janet Young, director general of the Institution of Civil Engineers said, “The proposed changes to accelerate the delivery of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and to improve strategic planning outlined in the government’s Planning & Infrastructure Bill are positive signs.

“Investors, the supply chain, and the public need certainty that projects will be delivered in good time to commit the investment that the UK needs to improve its infrastructure, spark economic growth, and meet its climate ambitions.

“The government’s ambitions must prioritise a joined-up approach to ensure success. Getting the fundamentals of planning and delivery right is critical, and part of that is balancing community needs and environmental responsibilities with delivering the infrastructure we need to achieve the UK’s goals.”