The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has begun a review of the current approach to National Policy Statements (NPSs) and identify how the planning system could create greater certainty for infrastructure investors, developers and local communities.
HM Treasury said the planning policy framework for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) “has a strong track record for delivering robust consents” and had significantly reduced the time required for infrastructure projects to go through the planning process. However, it said “the system has slowed in recent years” and with the time taken for Development Consent Orders (DCOs) increasing by 65% between 2012 and 2021. For example, offshore wind projects have taken up to four years to get through the DCO process.

The NIC undertakes the review as government prepares to publish an Action Plan on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).
The Commission’s report will set out recommendations for what could be done, alongside the imminent Action Plan, to address the speed of consenting to help deliver the major infrastructure projects the UK needs for the future. It will set out proposed short and longer term actions that build on other reforms, drawing on insights from the Commission’s engagement with infrastructure operators, investors and representative bodies.
The study will not consider housing or business and commercial projects, which sit outside the Commission’s remit, and recommendations will only cover England due to the devolved nature of planning.
The Commission’s report will be published in the spring.