Summary
The Planning Act 2008 created a new regime for granting development consent for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) in England and Wales, including energy, transport, water, waste, and wastewater. It established the Infrastructure Planning Commission (now the Planning Inspectorate's National Infrastructure team) and National Policy Statements to guide decision-making on major infrastructure.
Key Points
- Defines nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) in energy, transport, water, waste (ss.14–30)
- Development Consent Orders (DCOs) — single consent replacing multiple permissions (s.114)
- National Policy Statements to set framework for decisions (ss.5–13)
- Examination process with written representations (ss.87–101)
- Community Infrastructure Levy (Part 11)
- Pre-application consultation requirements (ss.42–50)
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2011 — Localism Act 2011
Abolished the Infrastructure Planning Commission; decisions now made by the relevant Secretary of State on the recommendation of the Planning Inspectorate.