DEFRA publishes draft water resources National Policy Statement for consultation

DEFRA has begun an eight week consultation on its draft National Policy Statement for Water Resources Infrastructure – specifically reservoirs, water transfer and desalination projects.

The department welcomes stakeholder views on whether the draft NPS provides an appropriate and effective framework for the the Planning Inspectorate and the secretary of state to examine and make decisions on development consent order applications for nationally significant water resources infrastructure projects in England. These views can be submitted online, plus there is a series of events running in January for face to face engagement.

DEFRA is also consulting on the Assessment of Sustainability and Habitats Regulations Assessments that accompany the NPS.

Laying the draft before Parliament last week, water minister Therese Coffey (pictured) said: “This will guide planning decisions for water resources infrastructure of national significance, making sure we get the infrastructure we need delivered in a timely manner and to a high standard.”