The Planning and Infrastructure Bill: A Bold Step Toward Faster Development and Smarter Growth
- David Maddox
- Mar 14
- 2 min read
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, introduced by the UK government, aims to expedite the delivery of housing and critical infrastructure projects. Key provisions include:
Accelerated Infrastructure Projects: The Bill seeks to fast-track decisions on over 150 major infrastructure projects, encompassing roads, railways, and renewable energy installations. This initiative supports the government's Clean Power 2030 target by ensuring swift development of essential clean energy projects.
Reformed Planning Committees: To streamline decision-making, a national scheme of delegation will specify which applications are determined by planning officers versus committees. Additionally, mandatory training for committee members and controls on committee sizes aim to enhance efficiency and debate quality.
Spatial Development Strategies: The Bill introduces mandatory spatial development strategies for strategic planning authorities, promoting coordinated planning across multiple local authorities. This approach seeks to address cross-boundary issues and align infrastructure development with housing needs.
Nature Restoration Fund: A new levy on developers will finance Environmental Delivery Plans, facilitating strategic conservation measures to offset environmental impacts of developments. This fund aims to streamline ecological mitigation and promote biodiversity.
Compulsory Purchase Reforms: The Bill proposes changes to the compulsory purchase order process, enabling authorities to acquire land at existing use value. This measure intends to unlock land for large-scale investments and ensure public value in development projects.
Enhanced Local Authority Funding: Councils will have the power to set planning fees that reflect service costs, addressing current deficits and allowing reinvestment into the planning system to improve efficiency.
Collectively, these reforms aim to streamline planning processes, support sustainable development, and address the UK's housing and infrastructure needs.
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