Found: protected peatland in England is to ban windfarms on protected peatland, as part of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: We have brought forward many changes, including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is going

Found: It is an exciting time, in the sense that the Planning and Infrastructure Bill has amendments to all

Found: Carmichael, In the context of the rapid passage of the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: Parliamentary process could take place. 9. recommendation Given that the Government, in its Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: Q115 Chair: Do you think the changes in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, for example, will improve

Found: Q115 Chair: Do you think the changes in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, for example, will improve

Found: sustainability and housing growth inquiry ACAN Demands Full Expert Consultation on Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: contribution to economic growth and community identity should be incorporated into the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: That is why, through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, one of our legislative asks—an amendment

Found: The Office for Environmental Protection has said that the Planning and Infrastructure Bill would represent

Found: We have set out a 3-point resourcing plan as a part of our ongoing input into the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: The government’s proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill contains welcome measures to improve the

Found: LPAs will, through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, be able to charge full cost recovery on planning

Found: The Planning and Infrastructure Bill introduces further prejudice in favour of developers, as it suggests

Found: In the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which has now cleared the Commons and is in the Lords, there

Found: I will not go into it, but we have a Planning and Infrastructure Bill before Parliament.

Found: We welcome progress made in the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill which includes provisions

Found: To this end, the Government is progressing the Planning and Infrastructure Bill through parliament,

Found: those who are concerned about energy infrastructure, especially with the changes to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: committees.parliament.uk/publications/3453/documents/32928/default/ 30 As identified by the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: those who are concerned about energy infrastructure, especially with the changes to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: Certain other changes in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will, on balance, help to deliver those

Found: In light of the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill introduced in March 2025, we feel it would

Found: Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) are a central feature of the UK's Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: 2050 will require just 2.6% of UK land.1 Planning reform for energy infrastructure Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: : Integrated guidance aligning NPS updates with emerging policy frameworks like the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: We presume this is being facilitated via legislative changes proposed through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: policies affecting energy infrastructure projects and spatial management, such as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: Therefore, we urge consideration of the effect of the government’s amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: policies affecting energy infrastructure projects and spatial management, such as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: This can be addressed through minor amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill (see Annexure

Found: those projects delivering into the SSEP and/or CSNP should be so designated When the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for her policies of the findings by Savills Research entitled Housing Completions Forecast for England: May 2025, published on 9 June 2025.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government does not recognise the analysis presented in the Savills’ research in question. The housing completions forecast it contains does not take into account the supply impacts of the measures announced at Spending Review 2025 or the further reforms to the planning system that we are committed to enacting, including the measures contained in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and the forthcoming set of national policies for decision making.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of replacing the role of local authorities with committees in planning decision on local representation in those decisions.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill includes a regulation-making power to issue statutory guidance on a national scheme of delegation.

On 28 May 2025, my Department published a technical consultation on proposals for reform of planning committees. It can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on protected nature sites located within England’s National Parks.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

When it comes to development and the environment, we know we can do better than the status quo, which too often sees both sustainable housebuilding and nature recovery stall. Instead of environmental protections being seen as barriers to growth, we want to unlock a win-win for the economy and for nature. Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill introduces a new Nature Restoration Fund that will unlock and accelerate development while going beyond neutrality to unlock the positive impact development can have in driving nature recovery.

Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs), as proposed in Part 3 of the Bill, will address any potential negative effects of development on protected sites and species, whether located in National Parks, National Landscapes or elsewhere.

EDPs can only be put in place where the Secretary of State is satisfied the delivery of conservation measures are likely to outweigh the negative effects of development. Where this is not the case, existing environmental obligations, including those arising under the Habitats Regulations, will remain in place.  In addition, EDPs and the conservation measures they propose must be evidence-based and properly scrutinised before being put in place. EDPs may include back-up measures that can be deployed if monitoring shows the environmental outcomes are not being achieved.

Policy safeguards relating to the protection of National Parks and National Landscapes, including those set out in the National Planning Policy Framework and relevant National Policy Statements, remain in place.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on National Parks and National Landscapes.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

When it comes to development and the environment, we know we can do better than the status quo, which too often sees both sustainable housebuilding and nature recovery stall. Instead of environmental protections being seen as barriers to growth, we want to unlock a win-win for the economy and for nature. Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill introduces a new Nature Restoration Fund that will unlock and accelerate development while going beyond neutrality to unlock the positive impact development can have in driving nature recovery.

Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs), as proposed in Part 3 of the Bill, will address any potential negative effects of development on protected sites and species, whether located in National Parks, National Landscapes or elsewhere.

EDPs can only be put in place where the Secretary of State is satisfied the delivery of conservation measures are likely to outweigh the negative effects of development. Where this is not the case, existing environmental obligations, including those arising under the Habitats Regulations, will remain in place.  In addition, EDPs and the conservation measures they propose must be evidence-based and properly scrutinised before being put in place. EDPs may include back-up measures that can be deployed if monitoring shows the environmental outcomes are not being achieved.

Policy safeguards relating to the protection of National Parks and National Landscapes, including those set out in the National Planning Policy Framework and relevant National Policy Statements, remain in place.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of allocating a proportion of gross revenues from offshore renewable energy projects to local authority infrastructure funds.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Communities close to clean energy infrastructure should benefit from it. Offshore wind developers have established community benefit packages, and via the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the Government has published guidance on community funds and direct benefits in the form of bill discounts.

The Government has recently asked for views on the proposed introduction of a mandatory community benefit scheme in Great Britain and will respond in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to create high quality new developments which (a) enhance communities and (b) restore nature.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out that planning policies and decisions should plan positively for the provision and use of shared spaces, community facilities (such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, open space, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship) and other local services to enhance the sustainability of communities and residential environments.

Additionally, planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures and incorporating features which support priority or threatened species such as swifts, bats and hedgehogs.

Moreover, under the new statutory framework for Biodiversity Net Gain, every grant of planning permission (subject to some exemptions) is subject to the condition that the development must deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value relative to the pre-development biodiversity value of the onsite habitat.

When it comes to development and the environment, we know we can do better than the status quo, which too often sees both sustainable housebuilding and nature recovery stall. Instead of environmental protections being seen as barriers to growth, we want to unlock a win-win for the economy and for nature. Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill introduces a new Nature Restoration Fund that will unlock and accelerate development while going beyond neutrality to unlock the positive impact development can have in driving nature recovery.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what role Natural England will play under the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in ensuring improvements to nature are delivered; and what statutory powers and funding will be granted to support that role.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Natural England will be responsible for producing Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) and for delivering the conservation measures set out in them.

While Natural England will generally be the delivery body for EDPs, the Bill contains provision to allow for another body to be designated to exercise functions in relation to the Nature Restoration Fund, should this be necessary.

Natural England will have compulsory purchase powers to enable them to secure and implement the conservation measures needed to protect the environment. The use of Natural England’s compulsory purchase power will be subject to appropriate scrutiny and oversight and must be authorised by the Secretary of State.

In order to fund the conservation measures set out in any given EDP, Natural England will apply a levy to developers whose developments are covered it, as set out in the EDP’s charging schedule.

The government will ensure that appropriate resources are in place to administer the Nature Restoration Fund which will run on a cost recovery basis when fully operational. The Budget allocated £14 million to support initial deployment of the Fund.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on the (a) duties and (b) targets set in the Environment Act 2021.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Environment Act 2021 requires Ministers to have ‘due regard’ to the policy statement on environmental principles when making policy. This is to ensure that environmental considerations are at the heart of policymaking across government.

Environmental considerations in respect of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill were given due regard in line with the requirements of the Environment Act 2021.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will publish the funding allocation for planning enforcement for local authorities for the next (a) year and (b) five years; and what steps she is taking (i) to ensure timely enforcement action in cases of alleged breaches and (ii) with local authorities to help improve enforcement capacity.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Local planning authorities do not receive a standalone funding allocation for planning enforcement.

Planning enforcement is at the discretion of local planning authorities and it is for them to decide when and how they use the powers available to them depending on the circumstances of any given case.

Resourcing planning departments remains a priority for this government.

On 25 February 2025, the draft Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2025 were agreed. These regulations increase planning fees for householder and other applications, with a view to providing much-needed additional resources for hard-pressed LPAs.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill also includes provisions that will allow LPAs to set planning fees or charges at a level that reflects the individual costs to the LPA to carry out the function for which it is imposed and to ensure that the income from planning fees or charges is applied towards the delivery of the planning function.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Nature Restoration Fund proposed by the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on the Marine Recovery Fund.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Marine Recovery Fund is being established as a voluntary mechanism to deliver strategic compensation for offshore wind developers.

The Nature Restoration Fund will offer a new way for developers to discharge existing environmental obligations related to protected sites and species, using resources strategically to maximise positive outcomes for nature.

There are currently no plans to combine the two funds.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 10 June 2025 to Question 55284 on Housing: Construction, and with reference to Annex 10 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Impact assessment, published in May 2025, whether she plans to achieve the delivery of the 374,000 annual new additions in England in the (a) 2026-27 financial year, (b) 2027-28 financial year and (c) calendar year 2027.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 55284 on 10 June 2025.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the amendments made in Schedule 6, Part 2, Clause 41 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill relating to the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 on (a) the potential number of badgers killed and (b) local wildlife populations.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

These amendments standardise licences for development purposes under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 with those for other species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, 2017. This is intended to facilitate strategic-level Environmental Delivery Plans.

We are legislating that all badger licences will be subject to strict tests required by the Bern Convention, which set a high bar. For licences under the Nature Restoration Fund, an overall improvement in the conservation status of badgers will be required.

The impact of these provisions will depend on practical application by Natural England through EDPs or individual licences.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on the environment in Inverness, Skye, and West Ross-shire constituency.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Environment Act 2021 requires Ministers to have ‘due regard’ to the policy statement on environmental principles when making policy. This is to ensure that environmental considerations are at the heart of policymaking across government.

Environmental considerations in respect of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill were given due regard in line with the requirements of the Environment Act 2021.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the oral contribution of the Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government during the Twelfth sitting of the Public Bill Committee on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on Tuesday 20 May 2025, Official Report, column 558, what her Department's planned timeline is for consideration of measures to improve the take up of SuDS.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government is committed to requiring sustainable drainage systems in new development and we have already taken action to support that objective by setting out updated policy in the revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024.

We are looking carefully at what additional steps might be taken to further improve the implementation of SuDS. A final decision will be made in the coming months.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to page 10 of the impact assessment for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, published on 6 May 2025, how her Department calculated the £1.1 billion value for planning fees reforms.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to Annex 11 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill Impact Assessment which can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to help local authorities in rural areas effectively use compulsory purchase orders to bring derelict buildings back into community use.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Local authorities have various compulsory purchase powers which they can use to acquire and develop derelict or empty properties. To assist them in the use of their powers, the government has implemented the package of reforms in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 to streamline and modernise the compulsory purchase order (CPO) process and clarify that local authorities’ CPO powers can be used to deliver regeneration in their areas. Further reforms to improve the CPO process and land compensation rules have been included in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. We also publish guidance on the compulsory purchase process to help local authorities understand and use their powers.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to improve the condition of sites of special scientific interest in Lincolnshire.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) continue to be one of the most effective tools for protecting and enhancing biodiversity and deliver a wide range of health and socio-economic benefits.

Natural England has an ongoing programme to assess the condition of SSSI features and implement the actions needed to restore and maintain the condition of SSSIs, such as the Bardney Limewoods SSSI in Lincolnshire.

In the autumn budget we also allocated £13 million to Protected Site Strategies which will develop and implement spatial restoration plans for priority sites, such as The Wash, an internationally important coastal and marine protected site. These strategies will put in place action to restore protected sites and manage the impact of environmental harm.

The Nature Restoration Fund in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will also allow us to take a more strategic approach to the restoration of SSSIs and deliver improved environmental outcomes.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to their press release “Government backs SME builders to get Britain building” published on 28 May, whether councillors on local authorities will be able to refer tier A planning applications to a planning application committee for consideration.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Our proposals to introduce a national scheme of delegation through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill would be mandatory for local planning authorities as defined in the Bill.

As set out in the technical consultation on reform of planning committees published on 28 May 2025, all applications in Tier A would be delegated to planning officers.

However, Question 5 asks for views on whether there should be a mechanism to bring a Tier A application to committee in exceptional circumstances and, if so, what would those circumstances be and how would the mechanism operate.

Applications in Tier B would be presumed to be delegated unless the chief planning officer (or equivalent officer in local planning authorities without a chief planning officer) and Chair of Committee agree it should go to Committee based on a gateway test.

The consultation is open for views until 23 July 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether their plans for a national scheme of delegation as referenced in documents accompanying the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will consist of guidance to local authorities or whether local authorities will be required to follow the scheme.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Our proposals to introduce a national scheme of delegation through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill would be mandatory for local planning authorities as defined in the Bill.

As set out in the technical consultation on reform of planning committees published on 28 May 2025, all applications in Tier A would be delegated to planning officers.

However, Question 5 asks for views on whether there should be a mechanism to bring a Tier A application to committee in exceptional circumstances and, if so, what would those circumstances be and how would the mechanism operate.

Applications in Tier B would be presumed to be delegated unless the chief planning officer (or equivalent officer in local planning authorities without a chief planning officer) and Chair of Committee agree it should go to Committee based on a gateway test.

The consultation is open for views until 23 July 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to their press release “Government backs SME builders to get Britain building” published on 28 May, how they define tier A and tier B planning applications.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Our proposals to introduce a national scheme of delegation through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill would be mandatory for local planning authorities as defined in the Bill.

As set out in the technical consultation on reform of planning committees published on 28 May 2025, all applications in Tier A would be delegated to planning officers.

However, Question 5 asks for views on whether there should be a mechanism to bring a Tier A application to committee in exceptional circumstances and, if so, what would those circumstances be and how would the mechanism operate.

Applications in Tier B would be presumed to be delegated unless the chief planning officer (or equivalent officer in local planning authorities without a chief planning officer) and Chair of Committee agree it should go to Committee based on a gateway test.

The consultation is open for views until 23 July 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions her Department has had with local authorities on consistency in local planning decisions.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

A key objective of our planning reforms is to improve certainty and decision making in the planning system.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill includes provisions to that end, including a national scheme of delegation and requiring planning committee members to undertake mandatory training before they can take planning decisions.

Planning law requires local planning authorities to publicise planning applications through various means, including site notices, advertisements in local newspapers, and publishing information on their website. We are exploring ways to enhance community engagement through the greater digitalisation of the planning system. This will help remove barriers to participation in the planning application process, including among those in representative community groups.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if her Department will formalise the role of representative community groups in local planning decisions.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

A key objective of our planning reforms is to improve certainty and decision making in the planning system.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill includes provisions to that end, including a national scheme of delegation and requiring planning committee members to undertake mandatory training before they can take planning decisions.

Planning law requires local planning authorities to publicise planning applications through various means, including site notices, advertisements in local newspapers, and publishing information on their website. We are exploring ways to enhance community engagement through the greater digitalisation of the planning system. This will help remove barriers to participation in the planning application process, including among those in representative community groups.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to annex 14 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Impact assessment, published in May 2025, what she expects the average length of a strategic plan to be.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As the Planning and Infrastructure Bill Impact Assessment sets outs, the government expects that spatial development strategies will be concise and focused to reflect their role as high level strategic documents. As such, we expect future spatial development strategies to be significantly shorter than the current London Plan.

While we do not intend to indicate precisely how long spatial development strategies should be, my department will provide strategic planning authorities with further guidance to support them in meeting this expectation.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to the planning system within the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on irreplaceable habitats.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is clear that development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists.

The Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) provides an alternative mechanism for development to discharge environmental obligations relating specifically to the Habitats and Species Regulations, the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and the Protection of Badgers Act.

It does not apply to irreplaceable habitats generally, for which the strong protections in the National Planning Policy Framework will continue to apply.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to support biodiversity and nature when building houses and infrastructure.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 is clear about the importance of protecting and enhancing biodiversity where it is affected by development and includes stringent protections for nationally designated sites and irreplaceable habitats.

The implementation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies and Biodiversity Net Gain are helping to highlight opportunities to improve nature in conjunction with development, and to secure tangible contributions to biodiversity enhancements.

The Nature Restoration Fund, introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, will provide further benefits where development could affect protected habitats and species, by enabling strategic improvements.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to protect nature through her Department's housebuilding programme.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 is clear about the importance of protecting and enhancing biodiversity where it is affected by development and includes stringent protections for nationally designated sites and irreplaceable habitats.

The implementation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies and Biodiversity Net Gain are helping to highlight opportunities to improve nature in conjunction with development, and to secure tangible contributions to biodiversity enhancements.

The Nature Restoration Fund, introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, will provide further benefits where development could affect protected habitats and species, by enabling strategic improvements.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what progress she has made in updating all relevant National Policy Statements by this summer.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Consultation on proposed amendments to the Energy National Policy Statements (NPSs) 1, 3 and 5 closed on 29 May, with the relevant period for parliamentary scrutiny of these NPSs closing on 22 July 2025.

Consultation on a draft revised Ports NPS began on 4 June and will close on 29 July. The relevant period for parliamentary scrutiny of this NPS will close on 14 November 2025.

Completion of the updates to these NPSs is subject to the outcome and timings of these consultation and parliamentary scrutiny processes.

The NPS for Water Resources Infrastructure was designated in September 2023. The Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs are considering whether the NPS needs to be reviewed at this time.

Consultation on the draft new nuclear NPS EN-7, which will be applicable to nuclear power stations expected to deploy beyond 2025, closed on 3 April. Parliamentary scrutiny of the draft NPS is expected to be completed by 23 June. Depending on the completion and outcome of these processes, the government aims to designate this new NPS before the end of the year.

We are introducing legislation through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to require National Policy Statements to be updated every five years. This will include a transitional period, which will require any NPS that is more than 5 years old at the time of Royal Assent to be updated within 2 years of the Bill being enacted.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to page 18 of the report by Britain Remade entitled Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving, published in August 2024, on updating the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee code of practice, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of adopting a nationwide waiver specific for utilities left in place on tram routes for Section 82 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

I note that the report by Britain Remade entitled ‘Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving’ makes various recommendations about how tramway construction can be made quicker, cheaper and easier.

Whilst there are lessons to be learned from across the globe, the development and delivery of mass transit, including trams, is devolved in England. It is for local authorities to identify and bring forward the best mass transit solutions for their areas. My Department has a large team who work closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities and the largest Local Transport Authorities on plans for mass transit systems where those might form part of the local transport system in our largest cities.

My Department also works closely with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)) to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public. HAUC(UK) are currently reviewing the Diversionary Works Code of Practice with Department officials. There are currently no plans to amend the ‘The Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000’.

The New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) balances the statutory rights of highway authorities and undertakers to carry out works and to minimise the disruption caused by these works. Financial incentives play an important role in ensuring compliance with requirements. There is a risk that by removing safeguards when utilities work on tram routes, reinstatements may not be fit for purpose, resulting in damage and possible safety issues that the tram company operator or Local Highway Authority would then need to resolve.

The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill also aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, including through reforms to the Transport and Works Act 1992. The reforms will deliver a consenting process to enable the authorisation of new railways or tramways in England and Wales (as well as guided transport schemes and inland waterways) that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens placed on applicants pursuing transport infrastructure projects under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA92) regime. The Bill will make various technical amendments to the TWA92 to ensure the regime is fit for purpose and proportionate, with the intention of streamlining and improving the efficiency of delivering new transport schemes. Measures include enabling cost recovery for statutory consultees and local authorities to support their resourcing and encourage timely, high-quality input. They also include introducing statutory deadlines for determination of applications to provide greater certainty for stakeholders. Other measures are allowing the inclusion of additional authorisations to streamline multiple approval processes, replacing model clauses with more flexible guidance, and clarifying legislation through amendments.

In terms of studying and implementing cheaper, shallower trackbeds, my Department is supporting the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) research and development project which aims to deliver all the benefits of a modern light rail solution at half the cost and time, with reduced disruption during construction due to its innovative shallow track form and battery-operated vehicle.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to page 18 of the report by Britain Remade entitled Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving, published in August 2024, on updating the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee code of practice, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of updating the Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000 to rebalance the cost of diverting utilities from tram projects to utility companies.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

I note that the report by Britain Remade entitled ‘Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving’ makes various recommendations about how tramway construction can be made quicker, cheaper and easier.

Whilst there are lessons to be learned from across the globe, the development and delivery of mass transit, including trams, is devolved in England. It is for local authorities to identify and bring forward the best mass transit solutions for their areas. My Department has a large team who work closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities and the largest Local Transport Authorities on plans for mass transit systems where those might form part of the local transport system in our largest cities.

My Department also works closely with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)) to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public. HAUC(UK) are currently reviewing the Diversionary Works Code of Practice with Department officials. There are currently no plans to amend the ‘The Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000’.

The New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) balances the statutory rights of highway authorities and undertakers to carry out works and to minimise the disruption caused by these works. Financial incentives play an important role in ensuring compliance with requirements. There is a risk that by removing safeguards when utilities work on tram routes, reinstatements may not be fit for purpose, resulting in damage and possible safety issues that the tram company operator or Local Highway Authority would then need to resolve.

The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill also aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, including through reforms to the Transport and Works Act 1992. The reforms will deliver a consenting process to enable the authorisation of new railways or tramways in England and Wales (as well as guided transport schemes and inland waterways) that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens placed on applicants pursuing transport infrastructure projects under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA92) regime. The Bill will make various technical amendments to the TWA92 to ensure the regime is fit for purpose and proportionate, with the intention of streamlining and improving the efficiency of delivering new transport schemes. Measures include enabling cost recovery for statutory consultees and local authorities to support their resourcing and encourage timely, high-quality input. They also include introducing statutory deadlines for determination of applications to provide greater certainty for stakeholders. Other measures are allowing the inclusion of additional authorisations to streamline multiple approval processes, replacing model clauses with more flexible guidance, and clarifying legislation through amendments.

In terms of studying and implementing cheaper, shallower trackbeds, my Department is supporting the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) research and development project which aims to deliver all the benefits of a modern light rail solution at half the cost and time, with reduced disruption during construction due to its innovative shallow track form and battery-operated vehicle.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to page 19 of the report by Britain Remade entitled Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving, published in August 2024, on updating the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee code of practice, what steps her Department is taking to (a) study and (b) implement cheaper shallower trackbeds.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

I note that the report by Britain Remade entitled ‘Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving’ makes various recommendations about how tramway construction can be made quicker, cheaper and easier.

Whilst there are lessons to be learned from across the globe, the development and delivery of mass transit, including trams, is devolved in England. It is for local authorities to identify and bring forward the best mass transit solutions for their areas. My Department has a large team who work closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities and the largest Local Transport Authorities on plans for mass transit systems where those might form part of the local transport system in our largest cities.

My Department also works closely with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)) to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public. HAUC(UK) are currently reviewing the Diversionary Works Code of Practice with Department officials. There are currently no plans to amend the ‘The Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000’.

The New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) balances the statutory rights of highway authorities and undertakers to carry out works and to minimise the disruption caused by these works. Financial incentives play an important role in ensuring compliance with requirements. There is a risk that by removing safeguards when utilities work on tram routes, reinstatements may not be fit for purpose, resulting in damage and possible safety issues that the tram company operator or Local Highway Authority would then need to resolve.

The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill also aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, including through reforms to the Transport and Works Act 1992. The reforms will deliver a consenting process to enable the authorisation of new railways or tramways in England and Wales (as well as guided transport schemes and inland waterways) that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens placed on applicants pursuing transport infrastructure projects under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA92) regime. The Bill will make various technical amendments to the TWA92 to ensure the regime is fit for purpose and proportionate, with the intention of streamlining and improving the efficiency of delivering new transport schemes. Measures include enabling cost recovery for statutory consultees and local authorities to support their resourcing and encourage timely, high-quality input. They also include introducing statutory deadlines for determination of applications to provide greater certainty for stakeholders. Other measures are allowing the inclusion of additional authorisations to streamline multiple approval processes, replacing model clauses with more flexible guidance, and clarifying legislation through amendments.

In terms of studying and implementing cheaper, shallower trackbeds, my Department is supporting the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) research and development project which aims to deliver all the benefits of a modern light rail solution at half the cost and time, with reduced disruption during construction due to its innovative shallow track form and battery-operated vehicle.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to page 14 of the report by Britain Remade entitled Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving, published in August 2024, what assessment she has made creating a speciality delivery unit responsible for (a) trams, (b) metro and (c) light rail within her Department's public transport and local group.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

I note that the report by Britain Remade entitled ‘Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving’ makes various recommendations about how tramway construction can be made quicker, cheaper and easier.

Whilst there are lessons to be learned from across the globe, the development and delivery of mass transit, including trams, is devolved in England. It is for local authorities to identify and bring forward the best mass transit solutions for their areas. My Department has a large team who work closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities and the largest Local Transport Authorities on plans for mass transit systems where those might form part of the local transport system in our largest cities.

My Department also works closely with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)) to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public. HAUC(UK) are currently reviewing the Diversionary Works Code of Practice with Department officials. There are currently no plans to amend the ‘The Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000’.

The New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) balances the statutory rights of highway authorities and undertakers to carry out works and to minimise the disruption caused by these works. Financial incentives play an important role in ensuring compliance with requirements. There is a risk that by removing safeguards when utilities work on tram routes, reinstatements may not be fit for purpose, resulting in damage and possible safety issues that the tram company operator or Local Highway Authority would then need to resolve.

The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill also aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, including through reforms to the Transport and Works Act 1992. The reforms will deliver a consenting process to enable the authorisation of new railways or tramways in England and Wales (as well as guided transport schemes and inland waterways) that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens placed on applicants pursuing transport infrastructure projects under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA92) regime. The Bill will make various technical amendments to the TWA92 to ensure the regime is fit for purpose and proportionate, with the intention of streamlining and improving the efficiency of delivering new transport schemes. Measures include enabling cost recovery for statutory consultees and local authorities to support their resourcing and encourage timely, high-quality input. They also include introducing statutory deadlines for determination of applications to provide greater certainty for stakeholders. Other measures are allowing the inclusion of additional authorisations to streamline multiple approval processes, replacing model clauses with more flexible guidance, and clarifying legislation through amendments.

In terms of studying and implementing cheaper, shallower trackbeds, my Department is supporting the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) research and development project which aims to deliver all the benefits of a modern light rail solution at half the cost and time, with reduced disruption during construction due to its innovative shallow track form and battery-operated vehicle.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the findings on page 14 of the report by Britain Remade entitled Back on Track: How to Build New Trams in the UK and Get Britain Moving, published in August 2024, whether she has considered the proposals to create a national tram standard modelled after the German common standards (a) VDV Blue Books and (b) BOStrab.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

I note that the report by Britain Remade entitled ‘Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving’ makes various recommendations about how tramway construction can be made quicker, cheaper and easier.

Whilst there are lessons to be learned from across the globe, the development and delivery of mass transit, including trams, is devolved in England. It is for local authorities to identify and bring forward the best mass transit solutions for their areas. My Department has a large team who work closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities and the largest Local Transport Authorities on plans for mass transit systems where those might form part of the local transport system in our largest cities.

My Department also works closely with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)) to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public. HAUC(UK) are currently reviewing the Diversionary Works Code of Practice with Department officials. There are currently no plans to amend the ‘The Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000’.

The New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) balances the statutory rights of highway authorities and undertakers to carry out works and to minimise the disruption caused by these works. Financial incentives play an important role in ensuring compliance with requirements. There is a risk that by removing safeguards when utilities work on tram routes, reinstatements may not be fit for purpose, resulting in damage and possible safety issues that the tram company operator or Local Highway Authority would then need to resolve.

The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill also aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, including through reforms to the Transport and Works Act 1992. The reforms will deliver a consenting process to enable the authorisation of new railways or tramways in England and Wales (as well as guided transport schemes and inland waterways) that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens placed on applicants pursuing transport infrastructure projects under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA92) regime. The Bill will make various technical amendments to the TWA92 to ensure the regime is fit for purpose and proportionate, with the intention of streamlining and improving the efficiency of delivering new transport schemes. Measures include enabling cost recovery for statutory consultees and local authorities to support their resourcing and encourage timely, high-quality input. They also include introducing statutory deadlines for determination of applications to provide greater certainty for stakeholders. Other measures are allowing the inclusion of additional authorisations to streamline multiple approval processes, replacing model clauses with more flexible guidance, and clarifying legislation through amendments.

In terms of studying and implementing cheaper, shallower trackbeds, my Department is supporting the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) research and development project which aims to deliver all the benefits of a modern light rail solution at half the cost and time, with reduced disruption during construction due to its innovative shallow track form and battery-operated vehicle.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the findings on p.18 of the report by Britain Remade entitled Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving, published in August 2024, on updating the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee code of practice.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

I note that the report by Britain Remade entitled ‘Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving’ makes various recommendations about how tramway construction can be made quicker, cheaper and easier.

Whilst there are lessons to be learned from across the globe, the development and delivery of mass transit, including trams, is devolved in England. It is for local authorities to identify and bring forward the best mass transit solutions for their areas. My Department has a large team who work closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities and the largest Local Transport Authorities on plans for mass transit systems where those might form part of the local transport system in our largest cities.

My Department also works closely with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)) to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public. HAUC(UK) are currently reviewing the Diversionary Works Code of Practice with Department officials. There are currently no plans to amend the ‘The Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000’.

The New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) balances the statutory rights of highway authorities and undertakers to carry out works and to minimise the disruption caused by these works. Financial incentives play an important role in ensuring compliance with requirements. There is a risk that by removing safeguards when utilities work on tram routes, reinstatements may not be fit for purpose, resulting in damage and possible safety issues that the tram company operator or Local Highway Authority would then need to resolve.

The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill also aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, including through reforms to the Transport and Works Act 1992. The reforms will deliver a consenting process to enable the authorisation of new railways or tramways in England and Wales (as well as guided transport schemes and inland waterways) that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens placed on applicants pursuing transport infrastructure projects under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA92) regime. The Bill will make various technical amendments to the TWA92 to ensure the regime is fit for purpose and proportionate, with the intention of streamlining and improving the efficiency of delivering new transport schemes. Measures include enabling cost recovery for statutory consultees and local authorities to support their resourcing and encourage timely, high-quality input. They also include introducing statutory deadlines for determination of applications to provide greater certainty for stakeholders. Other measures are allowing the inclusion of additional authorisations to streamline multiple approval processes, replacing model clauses with more flexible guidance, and clarifying legislation through amendments.

In terms of studying and implementing cheaper, shallower trackbeds, my Department is supporting the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) research and development project which aims to deliver all the benefits of a modern light rail solution at half the cost and time, with reduced disruption during construction due to its innovative shallow track form and battery-operated vehicle.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference page 15 of Britain Remade's report entitled Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving, published in August 2024, whether she plans to devolve the Transport and Works Act 1992 approval process to allow regional mayors to sign off on new projects.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

I note that the report by Britain Remade entitled ‘Back on Track: How To Build New Trams in The UK and Get Britain Moving’ makes various recommendations about how tramway construction can be made quicker, cheaper and easier.

Whilst there are lessons to be learned from across the globe, the development and delivery of mass transit, including trams, is devolved in England. It is for local authorities to identify and bring forward the best mass transit solutions for their areas. My Department has a large team who work closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities and the largest Local Transport Authorities on plans for mass transit systems where those might form part of the local transport system in our largest cities.

My Department also works closely with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)) to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public. HAUC(UK) are currently reviewing the Diversionary Works Code of Practice with Department officials. There are currently no plans to amend the ‘The Streets Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulation 2000’.

The New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) balances the statutory rights of highway authorities and undertakers to carry out works and to minimise the disruption caused by these works. Financial incentives play an important role in ensuring compliance with requirements. There is a risk that by removing safeguards when utilities work on tram routes, reinstatements may not be fit for purpose, resulting in damage and possible safety issues that the tram company operator or Local Highway Authority would then need to resolve.

The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill also aims to streamline infrastructure delivery, including through reforms to the Transport and Works Act 1992. The reforms will deliver a consenting process to enable the authorisation of new railways or tramways in England and Wales (as well as guided transport schemes and inland waterways) that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens placed on applicants pursuing transport infrastructure projects under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA92) regime. The Bill will make various technical amendments to the TWA92 to ensure the regime is fit for purpose and proportionate, with the intention of streamlining and improving the efficiency of delivering new transport schemes. Measures include enabling cost recovery for statutory consultees and local authorities to support their resourcing and encourage timely, high-quality input. They also include introducing statutory deadlines for determination of applications to provide greater certainty for stakeholders. Other measures are allowing the inclusion of additional authorisations to streamline multiple approval processes, replacing model clauses with more flexible guidance, and clarifying legislation through amendments.

In terms of studying and implementing cheaper, shallower trackbeds, my Department is supporting the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) research and development project which aims to deliver all the benefits of a modern light rail solution at half the cost and time, with reduced disruption during construction due to its innovative shallow track form and battery-operated vehicle.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 8 May to Question 49985 on Planning: Appeals, when he plans to publish the guidance.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Guidance on the costs that may be considered when calculating planning fees will be published at the earliest opportunity following Royal Assent of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Found: Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Bill 110 of 2024–25

Found: The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will require mayors of all SAs in areas outside of London to prepare

Found: The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will require mayors of all SAs in areas outside of London to prepare

Found: This requirement reflects the new duty placed on CAs and CCAs in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: Earlier this year, the government introduced measures in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that will

Found: New powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently before parliament, could also allow the

Found: standards, which includes reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, the landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: We’ve introduced the Planning and Infrastructure Bill – the biggest reform of planning in a generation

Found: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee regarding planning policy changes, including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: New powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently before parliament, could also allow the

Found: New powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently before parliament, could also allow the

Found: These measures form part of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is currently before Parliament

Found: The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will speed up and streamline the planning process to build more

Found:

Found: class="govuk-table__cell">2025-03-10

Found: The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is also continuing its passage through Parliament, including measures

Found: 35Ease, speed, and long-term stability for business• T aking forward new powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: − N ew powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently before Parliament, to amend regulatory

Found: forward the most ambitious planning reforms in a generation, including via the flagship Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: forward the most ambitious planning reforms in a generation, including via the flagship Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: actions that will address the issues identified, including through delivery of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: statutory consultees UK Government giving effect to multiple planning ‘options’ through Planning and Infrastructure bill

Found: Delivery Plans and the Nature Restoration Fund, which would come into effect if the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: Planning reform On the 11 March 2025 the government published a Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Found: 35Ease, speed, and long-term stability for business• T aking forward new powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: New powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently before parliament, could also allow the

Found: local transport as Chancellor vows the 'Renewal of Britain' - GOV.UK 12 (a) The Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: local transport as Chancellor vows the 'Renewal of Britain' - GOV.UK 12 (a) The Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: forward the most ambitious planning reforms in a generation, including via the flagship Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: forward the most ambitious planning reforms in a generation, including via the flagship Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: Taylor of Stevenage and Lord Khan of Burnley to Peers regarding issues raised at the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: Vapes Bill • Employment Rights Bill • Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill • Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: -25, 36th Report, 2025 (Session 6) 5• Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill • Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: Planning and Infrastructure Bill 51. as Great British Energy and place it on a statutory footing.

Found: Legislative Consent Memorandum: delegated powers exercisable within devolved competence in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: Under powers in the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, households within 500 metres of new

Found: Neighbourhoods ......................................................................... 22 The Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: These were then included in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is currently making its way

Found: l Working with the UK Government to reform the consenting process through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: reform and the National Planning Policy Framework (including legislation such as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what steps have been taken to ensure that consultations with communities on Skye regarding the expansion of renewable energy projects are conducted in a transparent, inclusive and comprehensive manner.

Answered by Allan, Alasdair - Acting Minister for Climate Action

The Scottish Government has set out instructions for developers to follow regarding pre-application consultation in our Good Practice Guidance document, which is available online, alongside other guidance documents: https://www.gov.scot/policies/energy-infrastructure/energy-consents/.

In addition, the Scottish Government have been working with the UK Government on strengthening community consultation for electricity infrastructure consenting in Scotland as part of the UK Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill. The proposed reforms will make pre-application consultation for electricity infrastructure projects a statutory requirement. It will also introduce an Acceptance Stage where Scottish Ministers can decline to accept applications which have not fulfilled the necessary requirements, thereby increasing local input into project proposals.

Found: reform white paper (for England) and further changes are proposed in this area via the UK Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: provisions, with the Scottish Government “still to reach a position on consent” on others) Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: 1 LEGISLATIVE CONSENT MEMORANDUM Planning and Infrastructure Bill 1.

Found: 1 SUPPLEMENTARY LEGISLATIVE CONSENT MEMORANDUM (MEMORANDUM NO 2) Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: consider and report on the Supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum (No.2) on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: Constitution Committee to consider and report on the Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: Constitution Committee The Welsh Government’s Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: 1 SUPPLEMENTARY LEGISLATIVE CONSENT MEMORANDUM (MEMORANDUM NO 3) Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: Government’s Supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum (Memorandum No. 2) on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: consider and report on the Supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum (No.3) on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: The Planning and Infrastructure Bill (“the Bill”) was introduced into the House of Commons on 11 March

Found: ................................................................... 3 Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Found: ................................................................... 4 Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill