New dedicated 1-stop-shop for planning consents now open for business
A new 1-stop-shop service for planning consents will reduce the number of bodies infrastructure developers need to consult on applications.
The service, now up and running will provide dedicated support for developers of nationally significant infrastructure projects at the pre-application stage of the planning application process.
Speaking at the National Infrastructure Planning Association annual conference on 8 May, Planning Minister Nick Boles said the service was open for business and ready to help developers keen to get their scheme off the ground as soon as possible.
Nick Boles said:
Planning delays help no one. They bring uncertainty for local people and local firms and can deter new investment all together. Our new 1-stop-shop is open for business and I urge developers to get in touch as soon as they have a project in mind.
This government is determined to deliver a swifter, more efficient and streamlined process to speed up planning decisions, boost infrastructure and commercial development, create jobs and encourage economic growth.
Contact details for the 1-stop-shop
Consents Service Unit
Zone 3/18 Eagle Wing
The Planning Inspectorate
Temple Quay House
Temple Quay
Bristol BS1 6PN
ConsentsServiceUnit@pins.gsi.gov.uk
Further information
The Growth and Infrastructure Act removed the need for 5 separate consents and certificates to be issued by different Secretaries of State across Whitehall, in addition to the Development Consent Order.
Recent reforms by the government reduced by up to a third the number of bodies which have to be consulted on for a nationally significant infrastructure project; and streamlined and updated the regulations relating to consents.