National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal
Provides access to and updates on the status of existing and newly published National Infrastructure Planning Guidance.
National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal
The Planning Act 2008 (as amended) sets out the process through which applications for development consent are made for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in the fields of energy, transport, water, wastewater, and waste and how such applications can be examined by the Examining Authority and determined by the relevant Secretary of State.
This National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal enables quick and easy access to up-to-date National Infrastructure Planning Guidance. It is being introduced as part of the government’s recent reforms to the NSIP system.
The National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal is coordinated by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as a central source for all users who wish to find guidance on all aspects of the NSIP system from pre-application through to post-consent changes, and a range of related matters.
The National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal ensures that all people involved in NSIPs have access to a clear and easy to navigate electronic repository of up-to-date guidance.
Status of National Infrastructure Planning Guidance
This is a high-level summary of all changes to the National Infrastructure Planning Guidance including document references and dates of it coming into force.
New National Infrastructure Planning Guidance
As of 30 April 2024, the following new National Infrastructure Planning Guidance is in force:
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Introduction to National Infrastructure Planning Guidance (April 2024) – sets out the role and scope of the National Infrastructure Planning Guidance and how it benefits all users of the system.
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Planning Act 2008: Pre-application stage for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (April 2024) – provides guidance on the pre-application stage for NSIPs.
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Planning Act 2008: Fast-track process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (April 2024) – provides guidance to explain how the fast-track route for NSIPs is intended to operate so that applicants and potential applicants can understand what is required of them in making the choice about whether to apply for the fast-track route.
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Planning Act 2008: Content of a Development Consent Order for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (April 2024) – provides guidance on the content of Development Consent Orders for NSIPs.
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Planning Act 2008: Acceptance stage for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (April 2024) – provides guidance on the acceptance stage for NSIPs.
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Planning Act 2008: Pre-examination stage for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (April 2024) – provides guidance on the pre-examination stage for NSIPs.
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Planning Act 2008: Examination stage for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (April 2024) – provides guidance on the examination stage for NSIPs.
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Planning Act 2008: Infrastructure Planning (Fees) Regulations 2010 - cost recovery by the Planning Inspectorate and public authorities (April 2024) – provides new guidance on the new provisions enabling the charging of fees by the Planning Inspectorate for pre-application services and by prescribed public authorities.
Existing National Infrastructure Planning Guidance remaining in force
As of 30 April 2024, the following legacy guidance documents remain in force. Proposed revision dates are outlined below:
| Existing National Infrastructure Planning Guidance | Publication date | Expected revision date |
|---|---|---|
| Planning Act 2008: application form | 03-Jun-13 | Autumn 2024 |
| Planning Act 2008: associated development applications for major infrastructure projects | 26-Apr-13 | Autumn 2024 |
| Planning Act 2008: awards of costs - examinations of applications for development consent orders | 12-Jul-13 | Winter 2024 |
| Planning Act 2008: changes to Development Consent Orders | 16-Dec-15 | Winter 2024 |
| Planning Act 2008: Infrastructure Planning (Fees) Regulations 2010 | 09-May-19 | Autumn 2024 |
| Planning Act 2008: nationally significant infrastructure projects and housing | 21-Mar-17 | Autumn 2024 |
| Planning Act 2008: procedures for the compulsory acquisition of land | 09-Sep-13 | Autumn 2024 |
| Guidance on procedural requirements for major infrastructure projects | 31-Dec-20 | Winter 2024 |
| Planning Act 2008: Guidance on the process for carrying out a review of existing National Policy Statement | 20-May-21 | Winter 2024 |
As of 30 April 2024, the following guidance documents have been replaced by new and updated guidance:
Existing guidance documents will be reviewed as set out above but in some cases little or no change to the content of guidance may be warranted.
Planning Inspectorate advice
The National Infrastructure Planning Guidance should continue to be read in conjunction with the Advice prepared by the Planning Inspectorate.
Planning Inspectorate Advice is in place to continue to inform and assist all those involved in NSIPs by sharing good practice across sectors and across projects.
Keep up to date
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National Infrastructure Planning Guidance
Updates to this page
Last updated 30 April 2024 + show all updates
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Added guidance on Pre-application; Fast-track; Content of a Development Consent Order; Acceptance; Pre-examination; and Examination.
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First published.