Government announces plans to trial components of an enhanced pre-application service for national infrastructure.
The Planning Inspectorate is working in collaboration with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to shape the future service offerings to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP), as part of this, the Early Adopters Progamme was established.
The purpose of the Early Adopters Programme is to understand the likely benefits and demand, as well as evaluate any unintended consequences, in particular to the wider planning system. The trial aims to support the government’s thinking around improving services within the existing legislative framework and complement the upcoming consultation on the full package of NSIP reforms. The outcome of the trial will inform the government’s response and future reforms.
What are the key components of the Early Adopters Programme?
As part of the programme, the following areas will be trialled:
- Programme planning
- Evidence plan production
- Issues tracking
- Pre-application principal areas of disagreement statements (PADS) production
- Policy compliance document production
- Demonstrating regard to section 51 advice (and other statutory advice)
- Design approach document production
- Mature outline control document production
- Advice log production
- Multiparty meetings
Who is eligible to express interest?
The Planning Inspectorate invites projects with an anticipated submission between September 2023 and March 2024 to express interest in taking part in the Early Adopters Programme.
For more information on the programme, visit the Expressions of interest open for National Infrastructure Early Adopters Programme.
If you have any queries about the trial and if your project is eligible to take part, get in contact with our team on 01865 731700 or email us via enquiries@edgarslimited.co.uk.
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