The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to remove “unnecessary blockers” to new developments like roads, railway lines, windfarms, and houses as the government aims to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2030.
This will include an overhaul of how projects can be challenged, with “meritless cases” only having one – rather than three – attempts at a legal challenge, while the introduction of a Nature Restoration Fund will see developers pool funds for environmental improvements.
The Bill will also introduce a system of ‘spatial development strategies’ to ensure a more joined-up approach between local planning authorities and builders, and strengthen development corporations to make it easier to deliver large-scale development.
IEMA's director of policy and public affairs Ben Goodwin welcomed the new legislation, but warned against watering down environmental protections.
“High-quality housing and infrastructure are both prerequisites for better living standards and outcomes,” he continued. “However, it is equally important that the planning reform needed to deliver the government's growth ambitions does not come at the expense of the natural environment.
“New housing and infrastructure must be delivered in sync with the natural environment, which is why the impact assessment regime in England should be protected and strengthened as part of the reforms."
The government said that the plans will deliver a major boost to the economy worth billions of pounds and create tens of thousands more jobs while making the UK a more attractive prospect for investors.
The compulsory purchase process – which allows land to be acquired for projects that are in the public interest – will be improved and ensure compensation paid to landowners is not excessive.
Further changes will make sure approved clean energy projects are prioritised for grid connections, while people living within 500m of new pylons will get up to £2,500 off their electricity bills over 10 years.
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner said: “We’re creating the biggest building boom in a generation – as a major step forward in getting Britain building again and unleashing economic growth in every corner of the country, by lifting the bureaucratic burden which has been holding back developments for too long.
“The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will unleash seismic reforms to help builders get shovels in the ground quicker to build more homes, and the vital infrastructure we need to improve transport links and make Britain a clean energy superpower to protect billpayers.”
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Chris Seekings is the Deputy Editor of IEMA’s Transform magazine, which is published biomonthly for IEMA members. Chris’s role involves writing sustainability-related news, features and interviews, as well as helping to plan and manage the magazine’s other day-to-day activities.