Planning Act 2008
The Planning Act 2008 was introduced by the UK government with the intention of reducing the amount of time taken for approving major new infrastructure projects.
The Act established the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), a body that would make decisions based on new national policy statements. The Act made provision for the IPC to authorise major new infrastructure projects, such as airports, roads, harbours, energy facilities, and so on. In so doing, it removed the Secretary of State's ability to have the final say.
Development consent orders were introduced to simplify and speed up the process of obtaining planning permission for certain types of project, designated as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Other changes introduced by the Act included:
- Appeals related to minor developments would be heard by a panel of local councillors, rather than a planning inspector.
- Section 206 of the Act gives ‘charging authorities’ (generally, the local planning authority) the power to charge the community infrastructure levy (CIL). It is a charge that local authorities can choose to impose on new developments to fund local infrastructure such as transport schemes, flood defences, green spaces, and so on. For more information, see Community infrastructure levy.
The Localism Act 2011, introduced by the coalition government, made several changes to the Planning Act 2008. Most significant of these was the replacement of the IPC with the Major Infrastructure Planning Unit of the Planning Inspectorate. It also returned the final decision-making powers to the Secretary of State.
You can see the full Act here.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Community infrastructure levy.
- Development consent order.
- Housing Act 1996.
- Localism act.
- National Infrastructure Plan.
- Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project initiatives reach milestone.
- National Planning Policy Framework.
- Planning Inspectorate.
- Planning legislation.
- Strategic infrastructure tariff.
- The Community Infrastructure Levy (Amendment) Regulations 2014.
- Town and Country Planning Act.
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.