Policy paper

National Policy Statement for water resources infrastructure

Policies for developing nationally-significant infrastructure projects for water resources in England.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 17 April 2023
• Last updated: 18 September 2023 — See all updates

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government

Applies to England

Documents

National Policy Statement for water resources infrastructure

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-3974-3

PDF, 761 KB, 104 pages

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Details

The National Policy Statement (NPS) aims to:

• streamline the planning permission process for nationally-significant water infrastructure projects
• enable new water supply infrastructure
• provide planning guidance for applicants

The NPS will be used as the primary basis for examination by the Examining Authority. It will be used by the Secretary of State to consider development consent applications for nationally-significant water resource infrastructure projects.

Defra previously consulted on the draft National Policy Statement for water resources infrastructure. Read the summary of responses and government response.

The NPS was designated on 18 September 2023.

This NPS is supported an Appraisal of Sustainability and a Habitats Regulations Assessment. These documents can be made available on request from: water.resources@defra.gov.uk

Published 17 April 2023
Last updated 18 September 2023 + show all updates

1. 18 September 2023

   The National Policy Statement for water resources infrastructure was designated on 18 September 2023.

2. 17 April 2023

   First published.