STORY
The Government has confirmed changes to the planning system which are intended to speed up the approval of nationally significant infrastructure projects, including wind farms, solar farms, nuclear power stations, reservoirs, roads, rail schemes and other transport links.
Ministers said the removal of mandatory pre-application consultation requirements from 24 July 2026 could reduce delays by up to 12 months and save industry up to £1 billion during this Parliament. The Government said the reforms formed part of its wider programme to increase the number of major infrastructure decisions.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the changes were intended to help the UK become a world leader in building infrastructure. Energy Minister Michael Shanks said faster approval of clean energy infrastructure was needed to improve energy security and support economic growth.