Planning Reform Working Paper: Streamlining Infrastructure Planning – Consultation response

We have provided our views to MHCLG on the proposals set out in the Planning Reform Working Paper: ‘Streamlining Infrastructure Planning’.

We held a NIPA Matters discussion led by the Board Chair with members of the NIPA Board and Council on Monday 3 February 2025, to understand the thoughts and comments of members on the Working Paper, at which MHCLG representatives also attended in an observation capacity. The discussion was well attended by members reflecting the interest in and scope of the proposals, with considered contributions provided on the proposed reforms. 

Relevant points from the NIPA Matters discussion helped shape and inform the response, which was then further developed by the members of the Policy and Practice Working Group.

Overall, the package of measures proposed in the Working Paper would represent improvements to the process, potentially helping to modernise aspects of the regime and potentially tackling some very specific and long-standing issues. In our response we set out areas where we would welcome further detail, clarification and improvement to help form a view on whether these proposals will streamline the process. 

We are keen to work in collaboration with government to test how the proposals in the Working Paper might play out in practice, drawing on the breadth and depth of expertise in our membership, as evidenced in our consultation response, so that any legislative changes have the maximum positive impact.

The Policy and Practice Working Group would like to thank members for attending the NIPA Matters discussion and for their valued contributions. We will seek further opportunities to engage members as the proposals in the Working Paper develop.

NIPA_MHCLG_Planning reform working paper – Streamlining Infrastructure Planning RESPONSE