As part of the ongoing Government reforms to the consenting process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (“NSIPs”), PINS has launched its 2024 Pre-Application Prospectus. The Prospectus sits alongside a suite of...more
Details of how the recently confirmed operational reforms to improve the NSIP planning process will work in practice are beginning to emerge.
We have previously reported on which of the proposed operational reforms are...more
Changes to the DCO consenting process to be introduced this spring have the potential to help applicants navigate this system with more certainty and confidence. They introduce more flexibility into the process allowing the...more
The Government’s consultation on the siting of nuclear power stations beyond 2025 reflects the changing nuclear landscape in the UK and proposes a new approach to national planning policy that is more flexible and developer...more
Included in the wide range of provisions in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 are some important changes to the process and procedures for Development Consent Orders and Compulsory Purchase Orders. In this Insight we...more
The Government’s energy infrastructure reform programme continues to gather pace following publication of multiple important documents this autumn. In this Insight we discuss the recent progress and new announcements setting...more
12/7/2023
/ Autumn Statement ,
Climate Change ,
Consultation ,
Energy Policy ,
Energy Projects ,
Energy Sector ,
Infrastructure ,
Power Infrastructure ,
Regulatory Reform ,
Regulatory Requirements ,
Renewable Energy ,
Transmission Grid ,
UK
Publication of the National Infrastructure Commission’s (NIC) second National Infrastructure Assessment (‘NIA2’) in October 2023, in line with its 5-year requirement, is an important step and a document that will be used to...more
Following compliance with the parliamentary requirements, the National Policy Statement (NPS) for water resource infrastructure was finally designated by the Environment Secretary on 18 September 2023, bringing it immediately...more
The Government is currently consulting on operational changes to the NSIP consenting process that have the potential to make significant improvements to parts of the DCO process. In this Insight we outline the changes...more
The process of securing development consent (a DCO) for a major scheme can take many years. The decision of the Government on whether to grant the DCO is made at the end of that process and is subject to ‘judicial review’ by...more
Publication of the Water Resources Infrastructure NPS marks a milestone for water infrastructure projects as it is the first NPS for water resources pursuant to the 2008 Act, coming 15 years after the regime’s creation. First...more
Significant revisions to the draft energy NPS published for consultation align with other strands of government energy policy and legislative amendments being introduced via the Energy Bill. They strengthen the need case for...more
4/26/2023
/ Aviation Industry ,
Consultation ,
Defense Sector ,
Electricity ,
Energy Policy ,
Energy Projects ,
Energy Sector ,
Infrastructure ,
Net Zero ,
Offshore Wind ,
Policy Drafting ,
Proposed Amendments ,
Renewable Energy
The Government’s Action Plan on how it proposes to improve the NSIP planning process has some good ideas, most of which amount to fine-tuning rather than a fundamental change. Whilst some of the changes may increase the cost...more
3/14/2023
/ Electricity ,
Energy Projects ,
Energy Sector ,
Expedited Actions Process ,
Expedited Approval Process ,
Infrastructure ,
National Action Plan ,
Permits ,
Public Projects ,
Real Estate Development ,
UK
Fundamental weaknesses in the UK’s energy security revealed by recent global events created a catalyst for urgent government review and prompted publication of the Energy Security Strategy in April 2022. The planning system...more
5/6/2022
/ Climate Change ,
Coronavirus/COVID-19 ,
Critical Infrastructure Sectors ,
Energy Market ,
Energy Sector ,
Hydrogen Power ,
Military Conflict ,
Nuclear Power ,
Oil & Gas ,
Renewable Energy ,
Russia ,
Solar Energy ,
Strategic Planning ,
Wind Power
The DEFRA consultation published this month on the scope of the biodiversity net gain regulations to be introduced under powers in the Environment Act 2021, provides developers and landowners with a much clearer indication of...more
1/21/2022
/ Biodiversity ,
Brownfield Properties ,
Consultation ,
Critical Habitat ,
Environmental Policies ,
Exemptions ,
Habitat Conservation Plan ,
Property Owners ,
Real Estate Development ,
UK ,
Urban Planning & Development
The regime for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) allows for Development Consent Orders (DCOs) to be granted for a set period of time (often 5 years), but only recently has it become clear that time limits...more
This blog considers the long term planning for water resources in England, and how water companies can ensure that they de-risk the long lead in process to delivering the necessary assets. Clearly, water management covers a...more
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) launched a consultation into revisions to the Energy NPSs earlier this month (which closes on 29 November) in line with the Planning Act 2008 which requires...more
The UK Government’s inaugural National Infrastructure Strategy has now been published in response to the UK’s first ever National Infrastructure Assessment, produced by the National Infrastructure Commission. This blog...more
The electricity storage sector in the UK has had a number of false dawns over the past 5 years but does appear to have some momentum even in these difficult times. Developers and potential investors into battery storage...more
The UK’s energy storage industry is making huge strides – and the regulatory regime is having to catch up fast. This blog explores the latest proposals from the UK Government as to how energy storage schemes can be consented...more
The Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner Infrastructure team attended the excellent Westminster Energy Environment & Transport Forum conference: ‘England’s water market - investment, innovation, infrastructure and costs for end users’...more
Since the launch of the DCO regime for major UK infrastructure projects, there have been numerous non-material change applications. The non-material change process has therefore become a well-trodden path....more
The Whitehall and Industry Group conference on infrastructure, entitled a ‘cross sector perspective’ was held on 13th March and brought together Government, the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), and public and private...more