Nationally significant infrastructure projects and housing briefing note
On 28 October 2015, the government published a briefing note providing further information on the nationally significant infrastructure planning clause of the Housing and Planning Bill 2015.
Clause 107 allows an element of housing when development consent is granted for a nationally significant infrastructure project. This permits housing which is related to the infrastructure to be consented as part of a development consent order. The briefing note provides guidance about the circumstances where housing will be acceptable and the amount and type of housing allowable.
It suggests that housing will be allowed in cases where:
- There is a functional need for the housing in terms of the construction or operation of a project. For example where housing (rather than temporary accommodation) is needed for construction workers, or to support a 24 hour presence on the site for key workers.
- The housing is not functionally linked to the infrastructure project but is in geographical proximity to the project. For example, housing which is within the boundary of an infrastructure project such as a business and commercial project that includes housing, or housing that is adjacent to or in close proximity of a nationally significant project (eg a rail station on a railway line). In this context, “close to” should be considered to be up to 1 mile away from any part of the infrastructure.
It will not allow projects that only comprise housing.
The guidance makes clear it is very unlikely that the Secretary of State will grant consent for more than 500 dwellings in a single development consent order and that in some locations, for example those where development is already restricted by policies in the national planning policy framework, a lower amount of housing, or no housing at all, will be appropriate. This might include policies intended to protect the green belt or heritage assets.
A final version of the briefing note will be published if the clause receives Royal Assent.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.