Andrew Walters’ Post

In this week’s blog, Angus Walker considers the long-awaited consultation on the government’s proposals to reform the infrastructure consenting regime under the Planning Act 2008. On 25 July 2023, the government launched a consultation about implementing the ‘Action Plan’ it issued on 23 February 2023 to make improvements to the nationally significant infrastructure planning regime. Read in full here: https://bit.ly/450spLg #PlanningAct2008 #InfrastructurePlanning #Infrastructure #NSIP

The first of many updates from the Planning Inspectorate regarding planning reforms to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) has been published today. One of the key takeaways is that a newly established mandatory pre-application service for NSIPs is to be launched, consisting of three different tiers: Basic, Standard and Enhanced. The Planning Inspectorate will charge applicants for its mandatory pre-application service for each of the three tiers to meet the government’s aim of full cost recovery. The Planning Inspectorate will only charge applicants for its pre-application service, it will not charge other stakeholders in the NSIP process. As referenced in DLUHC’s guidance on cost recovery by The Planning Inspectorate and Public Bodies (8 March 2024), the recovery of pre-application fees by the Planning Inspectorate is expected to be made possible from October 2024.  From April 2024 DLUHC will publish a tranche of updated guidance reflecting reforms to the NSIP process, after which the Planning Inspectorate will publish an updated Pre-application Prospectus, describing the three different pre-application tiers and the service available. #planning #NSIP #PINS

At the Planning Inspectorate, we’re actively supporting the Government’s ambition to enhance and expedite the consenting process for major infrastructure projects. Here’s a glimpse into how we’re contributing to these reforms: ◾ Establishing a new pre-application service for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), which is expected to be operational from October 2024. ◾ Working towards a fast-track decision-making route for qualifying projects. ◾ Modernising our National Infrastructure Planning website to make it more user-friendly and efficient for engagement in the NSIP process. These initiatives are part of our ongoing commitment to meet the country’s future infrastructure needs. More updates will be shared as they are rolled out throughout 2024. For more details, read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eFsmJqdB #NSIP #Infrastructure #reform

New Guidance on National Infrastructure Planning Portal The government has launched the updated National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal on GOV.UK, a comprehensive digital repository for the latest updates and access to National Infrastructure Planning Guidance. New guidance documents include: - Pre-application stage - Fast-track process - Development Consent Order content - Acceptance stage - Pre-examination stage - Examination stage These chapters are part of reforms to the NSIP (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects) system, with further updates expected in Autumn and Winter 2024. Additionally, secondary legislation changes under The Infrastructure Planning (Examination Procedure) (Amendment) Rules 2024 and The Infrastructure Planning (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2024 are now in effect, introducing several key amendments to infrastructure planning laws. For more details, visit the National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal link below.

This is a hugely important potential change for the industry. The size of the consultation by DLUHC reflects the scale! Following the publication of the NSIP Action Plan earlier this year, the government has committed to bringing forward reforms to ensure the existing system can support future infrastructure needs by 2025. We’ve shared our views on the proposed changes and will be working with government, members and other stakeholders on the next steps ⬇️ #policy #advocacy #engineering #infrastructure #builtenvironment #procurement #pipeline #excellence #planning

Three sets of new Infrastructure Planning Rules and Regulations are due to come into force this April. These updates will impact the consenting process for nationally significant infrastructure projects (‘NSIPs’) and contain some important changes that promoters should be aware of. Read our latest article as we take a closer look at the main changes: https://lnkd.in/epFiGZNg #Planning #Infrastructure 

Solutions proposed include the creation of a Centre of Infrastructure Excellence, reforming the planning process, and ensuring public sector contracts are clearer and more disciplined.

Some sobering thoughts from the UK for a Friday morning. For so long the UK has been the hunting ground for Australian companies looking for engineering skills. In recent months I've seen companies talk to overseas candidates and treat them like they are hiring a local, even though they have skills we desperately need. This report shows we need to have a strong value proposition for someone to leave their homeland and major projects will no longer cut it. Lets also talk employee engagement if we are hunting for engineers in the UK you can bet that they are hunting here! What are you doing to protect your talent from heading overseas??? TalentPool Connect #TalentAcquisition #TalentPoolConnect #TalentAcquisitionAdvisory

The familiar hunting ground of the UK is seeing the same skill constraints that we are experiencing. Its time to think outside the box! I have a few ideas that I have been mulling over for the last few weeks and would be happy to chat with any interested parties over a coffee. TalentPool Connect #talentpoolconnect #recruitment #somethingdifferent.

In recent days I have written and shared the EiB Business Development Growth Plan. It is clear that across many of our focussed sectors there is significant growth. The question posed below is valid. Not only a potential shortage of labour but the necessary skills to deliver the needs of Britain’s future. Both Government and the private sector will need to work collaboratively together to deliver the outcomes. #graduates #apprenticeships #veterans