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Government amends Planning Bill to accelerate clean energy and major project delivery The UK Government will cut the time it takes to build major infrastructure by at least a year under new planning reforms unveiled today. Changes to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will scrap unique statutory consultation requirements for major projects, halving the average two-year pre-application phase and enabling faster delivery of clean energy, transport, and other key developments, London said. The reforms aim to ease planning burdens blamed for deterring investment and delaying progress on nationally significant infrastructure. According to ministers, developers often avoid adapting projects based on community feedback for fear of triggering new consultations under existing rules. 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.” “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.” Under the reforms, developers will still be required to consult local people, but statutory guidance will be updated to encourage more meaningful engagement while reducing duplication and complexity. Local authorities will remain involved, with the Planning Inspectorate continuing to assess project applications against rigorous standards. The government estimates the changes could save over £1 billion during this Parliament and unlock billions of pounds in private investment. Examples cited include the Fens Reservoir, which has spent over 1,000 days in pre-application, and Hinkley Point C, which required three years of consultations. The changes support wider targets to build 1.5 million homes and hit clean energy milestones by making it easier to approve roads, reservoirs, solar farms and wind projects. Industry reaction has been broadly supportive. Carl Trowell of National Grid said the proposal will enable more effective and targeted consultation. Benj Sykes of Ørsted said: “The changes being introduced will allow everyone involved in these engagements to focus on the issues that matter to stakeholders and local communities.” RenewableUK’s James Robottom said the move would “speed up the delivery of vital infrastructure projects to boost the UK’s energy security, grow the economy and help us to reach the Government’s target of clean power by 2030.” Sam Richards of Britain Remade said the reforms were a “big step toward unlocking clean energy, better transport, and the homes Britain desperately needs.” Adam Berman of Energy UK added that targeted engagement would lead to faster and more appropriate applications. Business leaders and developers echoed that view, citing the potential to accelerate projects while preserving community involvement and environmental outcomes. The reforms follow a recent forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility projecting the government’s planning overhaul will raise housebuilding to its highest level in over 40 years and boost the economy by £6.8 billion by 2029/30. |
