Ministry consults on changes aimed at streamlining infrastructure planning process

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has issued a consultation seeking views on changes to guidance, services operated by the public sector, and secondary legislation under the Planning Act 2008 to streamline the infrastructure planning process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

Details: 04.Sep.2025

The consultation asks for views on the following key proposals that support the application process for development consent under the Planning Act 2008:

New guidance about consultation and engagement following removal of statutory pre-application consultation requirements through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill
Guidance and secondary legislation to support notification and publicity
Guidance to support the acceptance stage for applications
The use of Initial Assessments of Principal Issues (IAPI) to focus examinations
Guidance for public bodies about their role in examinations
Changes to secondary legislation related to the examination of applications including compulsory acquisition
Reforms and improvements to pre-application services provided by the Planning Inspectorate, and the fast-track process
Supporting pre-application services through effective resourcing of statutory bodies.

The consultation also seeks views on the removal of statutory pre-application requirements for onshore wind projects under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 guidance.

It runs until 27 October 2025.