MHCLG consults on streamlining planning for NSIPs

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is consulting until 27 October on streamlining planning for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).

The paper seeks views on the following key proposals that support the application process for development consent under the Planning Act 2008:

1. New guidance about consultation and engagement following removal of statutory pre-application consultation requirements through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

2. Guidance and secondary legislation to support notification and publicity.

3. Guidance to support the acceptance stage for applications.

4. The use of Initial Assessments of Principal Issues (IAPI) to focus examinations.

5. Guidance for public bodies about their role in examinations.

6. Changes to secondary legislation related to the examination of applications including compulsory acquisition.

7. Reforms and improvements to pre-application services provided by the Planning Inspectorate, and the fast-track process.

8. Supporting pre-application services through effective resourcing of statutory bodies.

The consultation also seeks views on the removal of statutory pre-application requirements for onshore wind projects under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 guidance.