Planners issue guidance on WFD rules for mega projects

The Planning Inspectorate has published guidance on how Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) will need to take the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) into account.

According to the non-statutory but best practice advice, when reporting and deciding on an NSIP application, the examining authority and secretary of state respectively will need to consider the potential effects of any proposed development on: 

• The environmental objectives and measures within the relevant River Basin Management Plans and any supplementary plans.

• The ability of the UK to comply with the WFD, including (if applicable) the derogation provisions of Article 4.7.

The full guidance can be read at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nationally-significant-infrastructure-projects-advice-on-the-water-framework-directive