Recommendations & Conclusions
16 items
1
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Accepted
The review of the NNNPS was overdue. It was launched to bring the policy framework for major infrastructure schemes up to date, and as a response to legal challenges to schemes prompted by the introduction of significant net zero legislation. The Government should have been proactive and reviewed the NNNPS …
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The review of the NNNPS was overdue. It was launched to bring the policy framework for major infrastructure schemes up to date, and as a response to legal challenges to schemes prompted by the introduction of significant net zero legislation. The Government should have been proactive and reviewed the NNNPS upon the introduction of net zero targets, and should do so when any changes are made to the net zero target policies.
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Government response AI summary
The government commits to reviewing National Policy Statements (NPSs) at least every five years, reflecting this commitment in the revised NNNPS text. They will also commission an external review of the NPS review and designation process and consider updating NPS review guidance.
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Department for Transport
2
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Rejected
The Government should introduce five-year review periods for the NNNPS, with a shorter term where changes in policy decisions or policy drivers warrant it. This does not necessarily mean that wholesale revisions should be made to the NNNPS every five years, but the reviews would provide an opportunity for the …
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The Government should introduce five-year review periods for the NNNPS, with a shorter term where changes in policy decisions or policy drivers warrant it. This does not necessarily mean that wholesale revisions should be made to the NNNPS every five years, but the reviews would provide an opportunity for the Department for Transport to consider the wider policy environment and Government priorities. The Government could also consider the modular approach suggested by the National Infrastructure Commission. (Paragraph 19) Legal challenges to schemes on climate grounds
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects the recommendation for five-year review periods, stating it does not anticipate the need for further review of the NNNPS given actions already taken to decarbonise transport and its response to the Climate Change Committee.
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Department for Transport
3
Conclusion
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Rejected
The draft revised NNNPS attempts to balance the Government’s 2050 net zero targets with an NSIP regime which could potentially increase greenhouse gas emissions. While the document provides guidance on assessing, mitigating, and approving the greenhouse gas emissions of schemes, these measures could be stronger to align with the pathway …
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The draft revised NNNPS attempts to balance the Government’s 2050 net zero targets with an NSIP regime which could potentially increase greenhouse gas emissions. While the document provides guidance on assessing, mitigating, and approving the greenhouse gas emissions of schemes, these measures could be stronger to align with the pathway to net zero.
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects the implied recommendation to strengthen measures, stating it is not possible to provide a clear definition of acceptable residual emissions and that ministers determine this on a case-by-case basis.
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Department for Transport
4
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Not Addressed
The Government should respond to the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation on reviewing the roads programme and explain why this recommendation will or will not be taken forward. The Climate Change Committee’s recommendations do not relate directly to the NNNPS, but acceptance of them would change the policy environment in which …
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The Government should respond to the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation on reviewing the roads programme and explain why this recommendation will or will not be taken forward. The Climate Change Committee’s recommendations do not relate directly to the NNNPS, but acceptance of them would change the policy environment in which the NNNPS operates and, presumably, prompt further review. Obtaining clarity on this issue is important for establishing whether challenges to NSIPs on climate grounds are likely to continue.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response explains how residual carbon emissions are managed within the overall strategy for meeting carbon budgets and states that text regarding refusal of consent for significant emissions has been reinstated in the NNNPS, but it does not directly address the recommendation to respond …
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Department for Transport
5
Conclusion
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Not Addressed
The draft NNNPS permits “residual” greenhouse gas emissions from NSIPs, but does not define what “residual” means, nor does it set out a threshold or limits for a level of emissions that would be deemed “residual”. Accordingly, schemes which are likely to cause an increase in carbon emissions may remain …
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The draft NNNPS permits “residual” greenhouse gas emissions from NSIPs, but does not define what “residual” means, nor does it set out a threshold or limits for a level of emissions that would be deemed “residual”. Accordingly, schemes which are likely to cause an increase in carbon emissions may remain vulnerable to legal challenge.
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Government response AI summary
The government discusses the robustness and transparency of decision-making processes and the National Transport Model, but does not address the committee's concern about defining 'residual' greenhouse gas emissions or setting specific thresholds for them.
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Department for Transport
6
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Not Addressed
The draft revised NNNPS should be amended to provide a definition of, and clear and comprehensive guidance on, “residual” greenhouse gas emissions. This definition must make it possible to distinguish clearly between “residual” and unacceptable increases in emissions from an NSIP. (Paragraph 32) 26 Draft revised National Policy Statement for …
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The draft revised NNNPS should be amended to provide a definition of, and clear and comprehensive guidance on, “residual” greenhouse gas emissions. This definition must make it possible to distinguish clearly between “residual” and unacceptable increases in emissions from an NSIP. (Paragraph 32) 26 Draft revised National Policy Statement for National Networks
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Government response AI summary
The government discusses commitments to protect biodiversity and geological interests and the reinstatement of a paragraph concerning mitigation of harmful aspects of development, but does not address the specific recommendation to define 'residual' greenhouse gas emissions.
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Department for Transport
7
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Not Addressed
The draft revised NNNPS should be amended to explicitly state the Government’s understanding of the legal precedent for permitting major infrastructure schemes which result in an increase in emissions, where that increase is judged as not likely to harm the achievement of a national target. (Paragraph 35) Confidence and transparency
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The draft revised NNNPS should be amended to explicitly state the Government’s understanding of the legal precedent for permitting major infrastructure schemes which result in an increase in emissions, where that increase is judged as not likely to harm the achievement of a national target. (Paragraph 35) Confidence and transparency
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses its Future of Freight plan and a call for evidence on freight and the planning system, but does not address the recommendation to amend the NNNPS regarding legal precedent for schemes that increase emissions.
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Department for Transport
8
Conclusion
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Not Addressed
There is concern from some interested parties that the National Transport Model, which underpins the Statement of Need, does not consider a wide enough range of traffic demand scenarios and that the National Transport Model and congestion forecasts are not published in ways that permit thorough scrutiny of their assumptions. …
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There is concern from some interested parties that the National Transport Model, which underpins the Statement of Need, does not consider a wide enough range of traffic demand scenarios and that the National Transport Model and congestion forecasts are not published in ways that permit thorough scrutiny of their assumptions. There is also a lack of faith in the options appraisal process for NSIPs before they reach Development Consent Order stage. Finally, there is concern that, while the Department for Transport talks about moving away from ‘predict and provide’, in reality the NSIP regime perpetuates that approach. For promoters of schemes, opponents and the wider public to have confidence in the robustness of the revised NNNPS, greater transparency is needed.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses guidance on associated development and lorry parking, along with its analysis of responses to a call for evidence on freight, but does not address the concerns raised about the National Transport Model, options appraisal, or the 'predict and provide' approach.
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Department for Transport
9
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Not Addressed
The Department for Transport must do more to provide transparency on its approach to assessment and decision making. Specifically, it should: • publish the National Transport Model so that it can be independently tested and verified, or model and report on a wider range of scenarios where traffic levels on …
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The Department for Transport must do more to provide transparency on its approach to assessment and decision making. Specifically, it should: • publish the National Transport Model so that it can be independently tested and verified, or model and report on a wider range of scenarios where traffic levels on the SRN are a) reduced and b) maintained at current levels and ambition for rail patronage is increased, as we recommended in our report on strategic road investment; • publish its own estimated congestion forecasts for the Strategic Road Network; • be more transparent in the decision-making process for potential alternatives to NSIP scheme choices, for example at Project Control Framework stages 0 and 1 for road schemes. • provide a list of “exceptional circumstances” which would necessitate consideration of alternative schemes during the Development Consent Order examination process; and • provide examples of how the draft revised NNNPS supports a move away from the ‘predict and provide’ approach to developing NSIPs. (Paragraph 49) Further recommendations
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses entirely on active travel guidance and protections for non-motorised users in the revised NNNPS, without addressing the specific recommendations for increased transparency, publishing data, or explaining decision-making processes.
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Department for Transport
10
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Rejected
The draft revised NNNPS should be amended to include an equivalent to Clause 5.29 of the current NNNPS. If the Government declines, it must explain why, and how this is compatible with Government policy on promoting biodiversity.
Government response AI summary
The government rejects the recommendation to include an equivalent to Clause 5.29, stating that paragraph 1.9 of the revised NNNPS already provides sufficient clarity and flexibility for different consenting regimes, making a 'one size fits all' approach disproportionate.
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Department for Transport
11
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Deferred
In its response to its call for evidence on freight, logistics and the planning system, the Department for Transport should address whether some types associated development which are vital to the road freight supply chain, such as driver rest facilities or service areas, would be more effectively delivered if considered …
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In its response to its call for evidence on freight, logistics and the planning system, the Department for Transport should address whether some types associated development which are vital to the road freight supply chain, such as driver rest facilities or service areas, would be more effectively delivered if considered part of major infrastructure Draft revised National Policy Statement for National Networks 27 and approved by Development Consent Order. In our 2022 inquiry on the road freight supply chain we heard that the process of building a new motorway service area can take a decade, and that the planning process is a key source of delay; the Government needs to cut through this quagmire to deliver the facilities that are desperately needed.
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Government response AI summary
The government states it has committed to a future review of National Policy Statements (NPSs), particularly considering modular NPSs, which 'may shape the future of transport NPSs', thus deferring a specific response to the committee's question about associated freight infrastructure.
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Department for Transport
12
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Accepted
The Government should amend the draft revised NNNPS to clarify, by way of providing a list of examples, what would normally be deemed to be ‘associated development’ for schemes which meet the threshold for nationally significant infrastructure.
Government response AI summary
The government refers to existing guidance from DLUHC on associated development and believes it provides sufficient illustrative examples, and notes the draft revised NNNPS included new text recognizing the strategic importance of providing appropriate lorry parking facilities and requires applicants to consider lorry parking needs …
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Department for Transport
13
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Accepted in Part
The draft revised NNNPS should be amended to include a stronger requirement for scheme applicants to adhere to the cycling infrastructure design standards set out in CD 195.
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need for clarity and has added text to the revised NNNPS at paragraph 5.271, requiring applicants to consider local plans, but continues to direct applicants to Local Transport Note 1/20 as the primary guidance, instead of CD 195.
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Department for Transport
14
Conclusion
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Accepted
The NNNPS could be a helpful document when making decisions on transport schemes which are not classed as nationally significant but are still large scale or regionally important. These schemes are currently consented through the Transport and Works Act and receive a less rigorous level of scrutiny.
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The NNNPS could be a helpful document when making decisions on transport schemes which are not classed as nationally significant but are still large scale or regionally important. These schemes are currently consented through the Transport and Works Act and receive a less rigorous level of scrutiny.
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Government response AI summary
The Department for Transport considers that existing guidance in the revised NNNPS provides sufficient clarity regarding its status in other consenting regimes and that a one size fits all approach would be disproportionate for Transport and Works Act applications.
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Department for Transport
15
Conclusion
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Accepted
The draft revised NNNPS should be amended to include provision which makes it clear how the NNNPS could be a relevant policy consideration for non-NSIP schemes which are currently consented under the Transport and Works Act. (Paragraph 71) Restructuring the National Policy Statements for transport
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The draft revised NNNPS should be amended to include provision which makes it clear how the NNNPS could be a relevant policy consideration for non-NSIP schemes which are currently consented under the Transport and Works Act. (Paragraph 71) Restructuring the National Policy Statements for transport
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Government response AI summary
The Department for Transport considers that paragraph 1.9 of the revised NNNPS provides sufficient clarity regarding the status of the NNNPS in other consenting regimes, and that a one size fits all approach would be disproportionate for Transport and Works Act applications.
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Department for Transport
16
Recommendation
Ninth Report - Draft revised National P…
Deferred
The Government should consider the merits of restructuring future iterations of the National Policy Statements for transport so that there is an over-arching Transport NPS, with Road, Rail, Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges, Ports, and Airport NPSs sitting underneath it, and provide a clear rationale if it opts not to do …
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The Government should consider the merits of restructuring future iterations of the National Policy Statements for transport so that there is an over-arching Transport NPS, with Road, Rail, Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges, Ports, and Airport NPSs sitting underneath it, and provide a clear rationale if it opts not to do so. (Paragraph 75) 28 Draft revised National Policy Statement for National Networks
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Government response AI summary
The government has committed to undertaking a further review of NPSs and in particular whether there is a role for modular NPSs, which may shape the future of transport NPSs; the government's immediate focus remains on completing current NPS reviews already underway.
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Department for Transport