FINE-TUNING OF PLANNING SYSTEM WOULD REAP BIG REWARDS IN MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT – CBI

Latest News Tue, Mar 22, 2016 4:59 PM

Infrastructure planning must deliver for business and public

Further improvements need to be made to major infrastructure planning in the UK to help accelerate investment and speed up decision-making, the CBI said today.

The UK’s leading business group is calling on the Government to demonstrate its commitment to attracting the £200 billion of investment needed in our infrastructure by 2015, by making the major infrastructure planning system as effective as possible.

In a new report, Minor measures, major results – Fine-tuning the major infrastructure planning system, the CBI urges the Government to reduce uncertainty at the pre-application stage, simplify the non-planning consent landscape, and introduce more flexibility and a sense of urgency into the system.

Currently, there are 52 major proposed projects in the pipeline, including wind farms, nuclear power stations and key transport upgrades, which have not even reached application stage.

Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Deputy Director-General, said:

“Businesses approve of the Government’s reforms to our major infrastructure planning system to streamline planning decisions, but it’s vital we don’t lose momentum while these significant changes take hold. Too many applications are still at the initial stages, at a time when we need major investment in our infrastructure.

“We’re suggesting ways the Government can fine-tune the system to spur on much-needed new infrastructure, such as energy plants, railway lines, airports, roads, ports and waste facilities.

“Investing in major infrastructure projects will bring big rewards for our economy, with new jobs and growth. But investors both at home and abroad must have the confidence that the planning system will deliver timely decisions, so the Government needs to act now. Waiting for a much fuller review in 2014 would be a lost opportunity.”

Following consultation with its members, the CBI’s recommendations to the Government include:

  • Defining its remaining National Policy Statements
  • Continuing to simplify and streamline non-planning consents under the Penfold recommendations
  • Allowing developers to be involved in training case workers
  • Encouraging case workers to provide non-binding pro-active advice to applicants at pre-application stage
  • Publishing commercially sensitive information only once initial discussions have taken place in a planning application.

Featured News

Specification news
Entrance Handle – White Horses Rottingdean

Architectural Ironmonger: AC Leigh Client: H&R Strood, ADS The Project: A former...

Read More >>

Specification news
RIBA looks to the future as it celebrates 90 years of...

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has marked the 90th anniversary of...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Novantica - Cement Free Restoration  Brochure

Novantica - Cement F...
By Fassa Bortolo

Download Now >>

Fassatherm System - Product Catalogue  Brochure

Fassatherm System -...
By Fassa Bortolo

Download Now >>

Fassarend System - Product Catalogue  Brochure

Fassarend System - P...
By Fassa Bortolo

Download Now >>

Fassalime System - Product Catalogue  Brochure

Fassalime System - P...
By Fassa Bortolo

Download Now >>

Sport England’s Performance Archery Centre Brochure

Sport England’s Perf...
By Passivent

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Straightcurve®
Straightcurve®

Straightcurve® – headquartered in Australia, is renowned for high-end innovative garden edging,...

Read More >>

RLG600 Access Flooring System
RLG600 Access Flooring System

The Kingspan RLG600 raised access floor panel is intended for light office use and is capable of...

Read More >>

RHG600 Simploc
RHG600 Simploc

Kingspan RHG600 Simploc is the heavy grade floor system, capable of handling up to a 12kN/m2...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels
Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels

“Building with stone wool insulated sandwich panels” written by Professor Imperadori, is now...

Watch Now >>

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London
Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Watch Now >>