Out-Law News 1 min. read
29 Nov 2011, 4:54 pm
Osborne has pledged to "build more flexibility into the new major infrastructure planning process, particularly in the pre-application phase", the Autumn Statement revealed (98-page / 3MB PDF).
Planning decisions for nationally significant Infrastructure Projects are currently undertaken by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC). The application process is described as "front loaded" because the developer must consult with stakeholders and the community at an early stage.
There have been nine applications submitted to the IPC since it opened in October 2009. Many developers have blamed the burdensome pre-application consultation for the lack of submitted applications.
However, as part of a "light touch review" of the process and by responding to feedback from users of the regime, more flexibility will be built into the pre-application phase by the summer of 2012, the Government said.
Another measure proposed today by the Chancellor is to "ensure that compliance with the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives does not lead to unnecessary costs and delays to development, while continuing to support the Directives’ objectives".
The review is being undertaken as part of the Government's commitment to "tackling blockages for developments where compliance is particularly complex or has large impacts".
The Habitats and Wild Birds Directives are often blamed for lengthy planning delays.
The Localism Act, which was passed this year, abolished the Infrastructure Planning Commission and transferred its functions to the Planning Inspectorate.
A national infrastructure directorate will be formed within the Planning Inspectorate to examine applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects and make recommendations to the Secretary of State who will be the decision-maker.
The Autumn Statement is an update on the March budget statement which outlines the state of national finances and the Government's proposals for change to taxation and growth forecasts.
