More key decision-makers for the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) have been appointed.

Three additional Commissioners were appointed - Gideon Amos, Katherine Bryan and Emrys Parry - to ensure that the IPC hits the ground running when it starts to take applications from 1 March 2010. They will act as the decision-makers, either individually or sitting on panels, on nationally significant infrastructure projects.

The IPC will be a one stop development consent process for major infrastructure projects such as large wind farms, power stations and railways. The new commission will be critical to improving the UK’s infrastructure now and in the future, maintaining and improving our quality of life, protecting our prosperity and safeguarding the environment in an increasingly competitive global economy.

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The new system will be faster and fairer with fuller public scrutiny. People will be able to make their case at every stage of the application and decision-making process and speak at open-floor hearings. Under the IPC the length of typical major applications is expected to fall to under a year and the new system could save up to £300m a year.

The route map document, covering the whole programme to introduce the new planning regime for major infrastructure projects, was updated and published today, demonstrating that implementation of the IPC is on track. The IPC has been up and running since 1 October, advising promoters and other interested parties on the new process, for example ensuring that they consult local communities effectively and prepare their applications to a high standard.

Applications from the energy and transport sectors will be received from 1 March 2010 and it is expected that the IPC will carry out its first examinations over the following summer.

(CD/KMcA)