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National Networks National Policy Statement

Status: Closed Opened: 24 Mar 2023 Closed: 11 Mar 2024 11 recommendations 5 conclusions 1 report

The Transport Committee is carrying out an inquiry into the draft revised National Networks National Policy Statement (NNNPS) . The NNNPS is the Government’s statement of strategic planning policy for major road and rail schemes. It provides guidance to applicants in preparing, and the Secretary of State in determining, applications for Development Consent Orders for … Show more

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Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Ninth Report - Draft revised National Policy Statement for … HC 903 20 Oct 2023 16 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

4 items
1 Recommendation Ninth Report - Draft revised National P… Accepted

Review the National Networks National Policy Statement proactively following changes to net zero policies.

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 … Read more

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
12 Recommendation Ninth Report - Draft revised National P… Accepted

Amend draft NNNPS to clarify 'associated development' for NSIPs with examples.

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
14 Conclusion Ninth Report - Draft revised National P… Accepted

NNNPS could provide greater scrutiny for large-scale, non-NSIP transport schemes.

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. Read more

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

Amend draft NNNPS to clarify policy relevance for non-NSIP schemes consented under TWA.

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 Read more

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

Oral evidence sessions

2 sessions
Date Witnesses
19 Jul 2023 Dan Moore · Department for Transport, David Buttery · Department for Transport, Julian Worth · Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Martin Tugwell · Transport for the North, Richard Holden MP · Department for Transport, Steve Gooding · RAC Foundation View ↗
28 Jun 2023 Colin Black · AECOM, Mr Keith Buchan · Transport Planning Society, Mr Mustafa Latif-Aramesh · BDB Pitmans, Ms Rosie Allen · Green Alliance, Professor Phil Goodwin · University College London (UCL), Ralph Smyth · Transport Action Network, Robbie Owen · The National Infrastructure Planning Association View ↗

Who gave evidence

13 witnesses
WitnessOrganisationSessions
Colin Black · Head of Growth and Future Mobility AECOM 1
Dan Moore · Rail Strategy and Rail Analysis Director Department for Transport 1
David Buttery · Roads Strategy Director Department for Transport 1
Julian Worth · Chair of Rail Freight Forum Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport 1
Martin Tugwell · Chief Executive Transport for the North 1
Mr Keith Buchan · Skills Director and former Chair Transport Planning Society 1
Mr Mustafa Latif-Aramesh · Legal Director BDB Pitmans 1
Ms Rosie Allen · Policy Adviser Green Alliance 1
Professor Phil Goodwin · Emeritus Professor of Transport Policy University College London (UCL) 1
Ralph Smyth · Consultant Transport Action Network 1
Richard Holden MP · Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Department for Transport 1
Robbie Owen · Board Secretary and Director The National Infrastructure Planning Association 1
Steve Gooding · Director RAC Foundation 1

Correspondence

3 letters
DateDirectionTitle
17 Apr 2024 — Correspondence from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for …
13 Mar 2024 — Correspondence from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for …
6 Sep 2023 — Correspondence from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for …