The government has introduced the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to Parliament, outlining significant measures to expedite planning decisions, boost housebuilding, and remove obstacles to vital infrastructure projects. The bill seeks to stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and strengthen energy security.

Key measures include:

• Streamlined Planning Committees: National scheme of delegation, controlled committee sizes, and mandatory training to speed up decisions.

• Nature Restoration Fund: Pooling environmental contributions to accelerate environmental improvements.

• Compulsory Purchase Reform: Efficient land acquisition for housing and major developments, with streamlined compensation processes.

• Strengthened Development Corporations: Enhanced powers for large-scale developments, including new towns.

-- Advertisement --

• Strategic Planning: Spatial development strategies to align development and infrastructure needs.

• Faster National Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP): Streamlined consultations and updated national policies.

• Clean Energy Prioritization: Prioritizing clean energy projects for grid connections, with a "first ready, first connected" system.

• Bill Discounts for Communities: Up to £2,500 off energy bills for those near new electricity transmission infrastructure.

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, 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 bill also includes measures to:

• Streamline EV charging infrastructure installation

• Unlock investment in long-duration electricity storage

• Reform electricity infrastructure planning in Scotland

• Extend generator commissioning periods.

• Allow forestry authorities to generate renewable electricity

The government aims to deliver 1.5 million homes, 150 major projects, and achieve clean energy goals, while boosting living standards. Industry leaders have welcomed the reforms, emphasising their potential to unlock growth and address the housing crisis.