Planning Bill to end pre-application statutory consultation for major projects

The Government has introduced an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to remove the requirement for statutory consultation in the pre-application period for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).

It plans to introduce new statutory guidance that it said would slash a year off planning times for reservoirs, roads and energy projects. It said meaningful local engagement would be preserved, but overly-complex planning rules will be reformed to reduce delays and save over £1bn for industry and taxpayers this Parliament.

It added the new arrangements would also enable NSIP developers to make responsive changes to plans without having to reconsult, and would boost prospects for the flagship pledge to build 1.5m homes over the next five years, by making it easier to deliver the roads, reservoirs and energy generation needed.

However, environmental coalition Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL) argued the pre-application phase is the only formal window for early input on how a proposed project could affect the natural environment before a full application is submitted, and that without this early input from experts, development could result in environmental damage, expensive redesigns, or last-minute mitigation that is poorly integrated and ineffective.

Richard Benwell, WCL chief executive, said: "Consultation isn't red tape; it's smart planning. Early consultation with communities and experts can reveal vital details about the local environment, improving collaboration and helping reduce harm to wildlife. Scrapping the rules will make it even harder for organisations like Natural England to ensure their scientific advice is heard, and increase delays and conflict later in the planning process. This decision puts wildlife at risk and makes the Planning Bill even more of a threat to the future of nature."

Benwell was among the expert witnesses to give evidence to the Committee considering the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in the Commons last week. Other witnesses included Natural England chief executive Marian Spain and Sir John Armitt, formerly chair of the National Infrastructure Commission and now expert advisor to the new National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority.