Bircham Dyson Bell hosts launch of the National Infrastructure Planning Association (NIPA)

An organisation founded by Bircham Dyson Bell (BDB) and created to champion the planning and authorisation of major projects with an impact on the UK's economic growth launched on Monday 1st November 2010. The National Infrastructure Planning Association (NIPA) brings together those involved in delivering the country's biggest infrastructure projects.

NIPA is chaired by Steve Norris, former vice chairman of the Conservative Party and chair of the transport working group in David Cameron's Quality of Life Commission.

Steve commented: "NIPA will provide a forum for those involved in the planning and authorisation stages of major UK infrastructure projects. The future success of UK Plc is dependent upon us having a good infrastructure across all sectors including transport, waste, energy and water. In some sectors such as energy and transport, we face urgent and immediate problems such as capacity constraints and ageing technology that needs to be replaced. Time is not on our side and we have to stop prevaricating about what is needed and get on with building it."

The launch comes hot on the heels of the publication of Infrastructure UK's National Infrastructure Plan. The Localism Bill, due to be published later this month, will make important changes to the Planning Act 2008.

Robbie Owen, who heads up BDB's major projects team, was instrumental in the creation of NIPA. He said: "The last government was conscious of the need to ensure that we had a planning system that could cope effectively with proposals for nationally important infrastructure projects. As the coalition government develops this thinking NIPA has a clear role to play in ensuring that the emerging planning regime is fit for purpose, and capable of delivering the projects that we so urgently need in a timely and cost effective way."

The launch event, held at BDB's London offices, brought together influencers from all sectors involved in major infrastructure projects, including representatives of both the private sector and government. The organisation's main objective is to champion the planning and authorisation of those projects which will have an impact on the growth of our economy and on the everyday lives of our population, from adequate energy supplies to transport links countrywide. Members are drawn from all of those with an involvement or interest in substantial developments, including those working in architecture and surveying, valuation, engineering, building, planning, local authorities, accountancy, the law and estate agency.

For further information on NIPA, including how to join, please contact Robbie Owen, partner: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.