Morning, Monday, 31st March 2025
Online
This conference will discuss priorities for the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime in England.
It will be an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to assess reform to the NSIP action plan, as well as recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework.
The agenda includes discussion on the broadening of the range of developments that can opt into the regime, the reintegration of large onshore wind projects and the threshold changes for nationally significant projects. We also expect latest thinking on the role of local communities and strengthening engagement, as well as priorities for supporting the natural environment, following its prioritisation in the government proposal.
Sessions will discuss recommendations in Lord Banner’s recent independent review, looking at recommendations for reform of the process of judicial reviews of Development Consent Orders, as well as next steps for reducing infrastructure project costs, with the National Infrastructure Commission identifying challenges in the sector in their recent Cost drivers of major infrastructure projects in the UK report.
Further discussion is also expected on the proposed role of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority as it moves toward planned operation in spring 2025, looking at priorities for its effective implementation.
Overall, planned areas for discussion include:
- assessing key reforms:
- NSIP Reform action plan implementation - updates to National Policy Statements
- alignment with a forthcoming 10-year infrastructure strategy - adapting to proposals in the National Planning Policy Framework
- streamlining consent: issues for implementation - examining fast-track approvals - balancing speed with thorough evaluation - clarifying revised guidance - reducing administrative complexities
- strengthening community input: achieving meaningful local engagement - strategies for building trust with stakeholders - addressing concerns fairly - transparent decision-making
- environmental safeguards: developing and applying robust mitigation measures - integrating net zero targets - protecting sensitive habitats - prioritising sustainable resource use
- NSIP scope: adjusting thresholds for solar and wind - considering eligibility for laboratories and data centres - reviewing reintegration of onshore wind - shaping a flexible project pipeline
- legal challenges: reviewing Lord Banner KC’s recommendations and options going forward - evaluating judicial review processes - fair access to justice - assessing options for limiting delays
- project costs: next steps following NIC findings - strategies for refining budgeting and design - supporting and rolling out innovative construction methods - improving delivery efficiency
- strategic oversight: priorities for NISTA’s new role - coordination on national priorities - accountability in implementation - best practice for resilient infrastructure planning
