As part of its programme of legislation for the next parliamentary session, set out in the Queen's Speech on Wednesday 4th June 2014, the government introduced a series of policies and proposals, some of which are contained in the new Infrastructure Bill. The primary aim of the Bill is to improve how the government funds, plans and manages national infrastructure projects.
According to the government, the Bill will "bolster investment in infrastructure and reform planning law to improve economic competitiveness", by delivering stable long term funding, greater value for money as well as discharging unnecessary administrative pressures. It is predicted that the proposals will provide a £2.6 billion boost to the economy over the next decade.
One key aspect of the Bill is the government's commitment to implement a 'zero carbon' standard for newly-built homes from 2016. The standard places an obligation on developers to minimise emissions that stem from energy arising from fixed chattels such as heating and lighting sources. The zero carbon standard will be governed by Part L of the Building Regulations 2014. This approach has received some criticism arising from the fact that 'small housing developments' are exempt from the target. Concern has also been raised that developers will able to avoid the zero carbon home requirement altogether, undermining the essence of the proposal.
The Bill also includes measures to amend the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime following implementation through the Planning Act 2008. The proposals include simplifying the process for making material and non-material changes to Development Consent Orders by accelerating measures that were introduced by the Planning Act 2008. It is also proposed to allow the examining authority to be appointed after an application for Development Consent has been accepted by the Planning Inspectorate to ensure early involvement and to speed up the process. A further proposal under the Bill which is aimed at reducing costs for the applicant, is allow the appointment of two inspectors to examine an application, rather than requiring one, three, four or five inspectors as currently prescribed by the Planning Act 2008.
The Infrastructure Bill is still at an early stage in the legislative process, with a second reading in the House of Lords scheduled to take place on 18th June 2014. The proposed changes to the NSIP regime in particular, are welcomed as they should ensure greater flexibility for developers, together with a possible reduction in application costs.
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