New powers will mean shorter deadlines can be set for examinations of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, with the relevant secretary of the state deciding on whether to put the shorter deadline in place.
Decisions on smaller (non-material) changes to projects that have already been approved can also be made much more quickly, reversing the up to 16 months delays to projects that can cause significant interruptions to delivery.
In a statement, Clark said: “Particularly in a time of high inflation, things need to be done more quickly or costs of major infrastructure projects will rise.
“These changes will help deliver new infrastructure more quickly, by speeding up the planning process which often moves too slowly.”
The government will make the changes to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects process through amendments to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
The announcement on August 30, 2022 forms part of plans to speed up the planning process for large-scale projects and builds on efforts in the Energy Security Strategy to make sure Britain is building the infrastructure it needs faster than before.
Commenting on Clark’s announcement, Stephen Marcos Jones, ACE CEO, said: “This week’s announcement comes at the right moment. Anything which brings additional clarity and speed to a lengthy planning process around significant infrastructure should be warmly welcomed.
“A swifter planning process will ensure that environmental, social and economic benefits are realised sooner.”
Marcos Jones continued: “This is also important if infrastructure investment is to realise its full potential in supporting the economy through the increasingly challenging times ahead. We look forward to engaging with the government on the action plan and supporting its implementation soon.”
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