The Government has published an Action Plan setting out reforms to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) regime, including replacing the environmental assessment processes with new Environmental Outcomes Reports.
The action plan also includes proposed new powers, first announced last year, for secretaries of state in NSIP areas - Energy, Transport, Water, Waste Water, and Waste - to designate projects to a new 'fast track' system if they meet quality standards.
The new powers would be made through proposed amendments to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill. These would allow a relevant secretary of state to set shorter statutory timeframes for examination, as well as the ability to set regulations for decision-making on non-material change applications.
The amendments also include the power to introduce, through regulations, a cost-recovery mechanism for statutory consultees inputting into NSIP applications.
Local government minister Lee Rowley MP said: 'The plan we have published today demonstrates the commitment across government to ensuring the planning system supports us to improve our energy security and deliver the major transport links and essential facilities this country needs to thrive.
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