Major infrastructure projects will be delivered one year faster on average after the government is committed to accelerating program reforms.
The amendment to the Plan and Infrastructure Act will repeal the statutory consultation requirements related to major infrastructure projects, cut the average two-year statutory pre-statutory consultation period by half and pave the way for new roads, rail and clean energy projects.
A statement from the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government said developers are currently spending too much time and money on long-term technical documents, causing the community to feel tired and confused, a direct result of overly complex planning rules that have allowed workers to deprive them of what they need to thrive.
Recognizing that the voice of the community remains crucial, the government will bring consistency to the infrastructure process based on planning applications for major housing plans and has developed new statutory guidance to promote meaningful local participation without duplicating these shortcomings.
The government insists that reforms will also promote government efforts to build 1.5 million homes by more easily transporting roads, reservoirs and energy to generate electricity, to “restore home ownership of families across the country.”
Commenting on the changes, Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Minister Angela Rayner said:
“Critical national infrastructure is key to the future and security of the UK – so we cannot withstand projects that are bound by tiring demands and uncertainties, which are caused by a system that does not work for the community or developers and stick to our true potential.”
