Government details schemes to be included in fast-track regime

The Growth and Infrastructure Act, which gained Royal Assent in April, extended the nationally significant infrastructure regime to allow developers of certain business and commercial projects to apply to PINS for a DCO instead of applying to the local planning authority for planning permission.

Following a consultation on the types of projects to be included in the regime, the Government has announced that the list of schemes will include offices, manufacturing and processing, conference and exhibition centres and leisure and sports developments.

The Government said in its consultation response (19-page / 125KB PDF) that housing and retail developments would not be included in the regime. "The Government maintains the view that responsibility for planning for housing should remain with local authorities and that the current policy and legal position should be maintained," the response said.

The Government said that it would not be setting out statutory thresholds for the schemes to be included in the regulations, but that it would publish a policy document setting out the factors the Secretary of State will take into account.

"We are determined to help bring about new investment and jobs," said Planning Minister Nick Boles in a statement. "Making sure businesses can have confidence in quicker and better planning decisions is an important part of that."

"Opening up the fast-track system will help get sustainable development underway sooner and minimise delays that only bring uncertainty for local people and businesses looking to create jobs," Boles said.

Draft regulations setting out the types of projects to be included in the regime are expected to be laid before Parliament in October.