Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects 100th decision
The A1 Birtley to Coalhouse Improvement Scheme was the 100th NSIP decision. |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
On 19 January 2021, the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) reached its 100th decision. The approval was made on behalf of the A1 Birtley to Coalhouse Improvement Scheme.
“This is a significant milestone, particularly bearing in mind the challenges posed by working through three separate lockdown periods in the last 12 months,” says Sarah Richards, Chief Executive of The Planning Inspectorate. “We have had to change how we work over the past few months and have done so with great success. We are aware that we have to keep evolving and challenging ourselves as an organisation in order to keep improving,” she added.
[edit] Eligible projects
NSIPs are usually large-scale developments such as new harbours, power generating stations (including wind farms) and electricity transmission lines which require development consent under procedures governed by the Planning Act 2008 (as amended). These projects are not only significant in their importance to the country but are large applications of particular interest to many local people. Of the 100 projects decided as of January 2021, 61 were related to energy, 36 transport, two waste and one waste water.
The nationally significant decisions made under the Planning Act 2008 are evaluated based on a streamlined process that provides fairer and faster outcomes for communities and developers. Prior to the introduction of the 2008 Act, it could take several years to decide major planning applications. Under the Act, there are strict timescales imposed on key stages of the process, and it typically takes 14 to 16 months from the day an application is submitted to a decision being made.
[edit] Approval process
The 2008 Act sets out thresholds above which certain types of infrastructure development are considered to be nationally significant and require development consent. In England, the Planning Inspectorate examines applications for development consent from the energy, transport, waste, waste water, water and business and commercial sectors. In Wales, it examines applications for energy and harbour development, subject to detailed provisions in the Act; other matters are for Welsh Ministers.
The Planning Inspectorate places great importance on being fair, open and impartial. No matter the type, size or location of a project, it ensures that local communities have the opportunity to make their views known and are able to participate in the examination process. The examinations of projects to date considered thousands of written representations and examiners have heard directly from thousands of affected people at Hearings held in the locality of the projects.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing with 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.