We have recently given government our thoughts on how the proposed Guidance on pre-application consultation, following changes made by the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, should approach consultation requirements, as that Guidance is developed by Government ahead of a formal consultation due this summer. This work has been led by Board Member Ali Leeder and shaped by the breadth of members’ views from the recent NIPA Matters webinar discussing the topic. Our thoughts will facilitate government’s further exploration of issues and suggestions for the Guidance on this topic. Download NIPA’s thoughts here: NSIP Initial Views on Consultation Guidance associated with the P&I Bill 20 May 2025

We welcome the initiative to strengthen Guidance and the emphasis on the importance of meaningful community engagement in the planning process. We support the Government’s commitment to reforming the planning process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and highlight the need for early, meaningful consultation. We have suggested some key themes for the forthcoming Guidance in light of the changes to consultation requirements made by the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and these are our key points:

• Importance of early, meaningful consultation: High quality, early and meaningful consultation is vital for the delivery of good, urgent infrastructure projects.
• Variability in consultation quality: Focusing on good outcomes rather than prescriptive processes is likely to deliver better consultation and better projects.
• Guidance to accompany the removal of statutory consultation from the Planning Act 2008 should:

• • Encourage consultation that is meaningful, proportionate, open and transparent.
  • Set out how applicants should comply with the requirements of the revised Section 55 and how the Planning Inspectorate (on behalf of the Secretary of State) should assess this compliance during the acceptance period.
  • Include expectations around environmental information in a way that does not reintroduce current approaches.
  • Clearly set out expectations of consultees, including that they engage with developers’ consultations and report on how they have done so in Relevant Representations.
  • Include guidance on where consultation remains mandatory due to requirements beyond the Planning Act 2008.
  • Be clear on what is not required, as well as what is.

• Providing information on other guidance, advice and legislation to be updated to reflect changes made by the Planning and Infrastructure Bill would be useful.
• Transitional arrangements should be set out alongside the consultation planned for summer 2025.

NIPA remains committed to collaborating with the Government to ensure improved outcomes in infrastructure planning and community engagement, enabling all our members to contribute to NIPA’s activities. Ali and the Policy and Practice working group, led by Peta Donkin and David Grattan, will continue to build towards a NIPA response to the Government’s Summer consultation on the proposed Guidance, so please do keep an eye out for opportunities to support this important work.