Recommendations & Conclusions
14 items
1
Conclusion
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Acknowledged
We welcome the revision of the National Policy Statement for Ports and the Government’s intention to review NPSs more regularly in future to ensure they remain fit for purpose. We note stakeholders’ broad approval for the direction of travel set out in the draft revised document and the support it …
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We welcome the revision of the National Policy Statement for Ports and the Government’s intention to review NPSs more regularly in future to ensure they remain fit for purpose. We note stakeholders’ broad approval for the direction of travel set out in the draft revised document and the support it will provide to development in the sector. (Conclusion, Paragraph 10) Port demand forecasts
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees that port freight demand forecasts are best used as a guide and commits to strengthening references related to navigation in the final NPSP draft. It also states it will actively consider including passenger ferry, cruise traffic, and innovative traffic forms in the …
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Department for Transport
2
Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Not Addressed
The sector’s view is that port freight demand forecasts should be regarded as indicative rather than definitive. We agree. This approach will allow for greater flexibility and responsiveness to evolving market conditions, technological developments and policy priorities. To support a comprehensive and future-proof approach to port development, non-freight activity should …
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The sector’s view is that port freight demand forecasts should be regarded as indicative rather than definitive. We agree. This approach will allow for greater flexibility and responsiveness to evolving market conditions, technological developments and policy priorities. To support a comprehensive and future-proof approach to port development, non-freight activity should also be considered alongside freight in all relevant modelling and policy development. (Conclusion, Paragraph 16)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response rejects according ports Critical National Priority status and discusses the weighting of CNP projects, but it does not address the recommendation regarding port freight demand forecasts or the consideration of non-freight activity in modelling.
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Department for Transport
3
Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Accepted
Port freight demand forecasts are best used as a guide to inform planning and investment decisions, rather than as rigid constraints. The Government must also ensure that future port demand forecasts incorporate non-freight activity. (Recommendation, Paragraph 17) Interaction with wider planning policy
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Port freight demand forecasts are best used as a guide to inform planning and investment decisions, rather than as rigid constraints. The Government must also ensure that future port demand forecasts incorporate non-freight activity. (Recommendation, Paragraph 17) Interaction with wider planning policy
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating it will clarify in the final revised National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP) that port freight demand forecasts should be used as guides rather than rigid constraints. The response also notes upcoming reviews of DCO thresholds.
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Department for Transport
4
Conclusion
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Not Addressed
Ports are indispensable to the UK’s supply chain both for import and export of goods, and for development of energy infrastructure. Without their efficient operation, resilience and continued development, energy security and economic growth cannot be realised. (Conclusion, Paragraph 38)
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Ports are indispensable to the UK’s supply chain both for import and export of goods, and for development of energy infrastructure. Without their efficient operation, resilience and continued development, energy security and economic growth cannot be realised. (Conclusion, Paragraph 38)
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Government response AI summary
The government states it accepts this recommendation, but then discusses design principles for port facilities and amendments to the National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP) regarding functionality, safety, and aesthetics, rather than addressing the conclusion about ports' indispensability to the UK supply chain and energy …
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Department for Transport
5
Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Not Addressed
By the Government’s own admission, the ports sector is a “foundational industry.” The Government should grant ports Critical National Priority status to reinforce the primacy of port infrastructure and its essential function in the supply chain, and in enabling energy developments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 39) 31
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By the Government’s own admission, the ports sector is a “foundational industry.” The Government should grant ports Critical National Priority status to reinforce the primacy of port infrastructure and its essential function in the supply chain, and in enabling energy developments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 39) 31
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the importance of coordination with inland transport modes and the use of Transport Analysis Guidance to optimise modal shift, but it does not address the recommendation to grant ports Critical National Priority status.
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Department for Transport
6
Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Not Addressed
To remove scope for ambiguity, the Department should amend the wording of the draft revised National Policy Statement for Ports to explicitly confirm its applicability to projects directed into the Development Consent Order process under section 35 of the Planning Act 2008. (Recommendation, Paragraph 44) Design policy
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To remove scope for ambiguity, the Department should amend the wording of the draft revised National Policy Statement for Ports to explicitly confirm its applicability to projects directed into the Development Consent Order process under section 35 of the Planning Act 2008. (Recommendation, Paragraph 44) Design policy
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the provision of shore power and charging infrastructure in the NPSP, strengthening guidance and acknowledging grid capacity challenges, but it does not address the recommendation regarding the applicability of section 35 of the Planning Act 2008.
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Department for Transport
7
Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Not Addressed
Ports are functional environments, where safety must remain the paramount consideration. We understand the desirability of aesthetic quality, especially for landscapes and surrounding communities, but we share the concern of stakeholders that there are limits to what can be reasonably achieved in this respect in port developments. The National Policy …
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Ports are functional environments, where safety must remain the paramount consideration. We understand the desirability of aesthetic quality, especially for landscapes and surrounding communities, but we share the concern of stakeholders that there are limits to what can be reasonably achieved in this respect in port developments. The National Policy Statement for Ports must be clear that good design in this context is primarily in support of functionality, safety, and minimising environmental impact. (Recommendation, Paragraph 50) Decarbonising ports
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Government response AI summary
The government's response extensively discusses the Finch judgment, Scope 3 emissions, marine licences, and harbour orders, but fails to address the recommendation regarding design principles for port developments.
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Department for Transport
8
Conclusion
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Not Addressed
If stakeholders within the maritime sector do not believe that the draft revised Ports National Policy Statement is sufficiently clear in promoting modal shift, then the Government has failed to communicate its stated intention. (Conclusion, Paragraph 57)
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If stakeholders within the maritime sector do not believe that the draft revised Ports National Policy Statement is sufficiently clear in promoting modal shift, then the Government has failed to communicate its stated intention. (Conclusion, Paragraph 57)
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses marine licenses, dredging, and the relationship with other policy frameworks, completely failing to address the committee's conclusion about stakeholder perception of the NPS's clarity on modal shift.
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Department for Transport
9
Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Accepted
The Government should revise the draft National Policy Statement for Ports to articulate more clearly how ports interface with other freight modes, ensuring that planning authorities actively consider modal shift in their decision-making. This should reflect the strategic role of ports in enabling integrated, low-emission freight networks and support the …
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The Government should revise the draft National Policy Statement for Ports to articulate more clearly how ports interface with other freight modes, ensuring that planning authorities actively consider modal shift in their decision-making. This should reflect the strategic role of ports in enabling integrated, low-emission freight networks and support the Government’s wider priorities on modal shift and achieving net zero. (Recommendation, Paragraph 58)
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Government response AI summary
The government states it is amending the National Policy Statement for Ports (NPS) text to further highlight the importance of coordination with inland transport modes, and that Transport Analysis Guidance will continue to facilitate modelling for modal shift.
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Department for Transport
10
Conclusion
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Decarbonising the maritime sector is a complex and long-term challenge that requires coordinated action across government, industry and planning frameworks. While the National Policy Statement for Ports is not the vehicle for setting decarbonisation policy, it plays a critical enabling role. By embedding decarbonisation considerations into planning decisions, the NPS …
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Decarbonising the maritime sector is a complex and long-term challenge that requires coordinated action across government, industry and planning frameworks. While the National Policy Statement for Ports is not the vehicle for setting decarbonisation policy, it plays a critical enabling role. By embedding decarbonisation considerations into planning decisions, the NPS can help ensure that future port development aligns with the UK’s broader climate commitments. (Conclusion, Paragraph 64)
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Department for Transport
11
Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Accepted
The Government should strengthen the National Policy Statement for Ports to better support the provision of shore power and electric vessel charging infrastructure as decarbonisation options, recognising the critical interface between ports and the energy grid. It would also assist in reducing pollution from ships which affects nearby communities. The …
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The Government should strengthen the National Policy Statement for Ports to better support the provision of shore power and electric vessel charging infrastructure as decarbonisation options, recognising the critical interface between ports and the energy grid. It would also assist in reducing pollution from ships which affects nearby communities. The NPS should clearly set 32 out expectations for planning authorities to facilitate grid upgrades and substation development where these would enable decarbonisation of shipping and port activity. (Recommendation, Paragraph 65) Environmental obligations
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Government response AI summary
The government strongly supports shore power and charging infrastructure, committing to strengthen NPSP guidance on advance provision and clearly state the importance of designing new facilities with shore power and charging in mind. It also acknowledges grid capacity challenges and ongoing work.
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Department for Transport
12
Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Accepted in Part
The Development Consent Order process is designed to streamline planning and accelerate the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects, including by mitigating the risk of legal challenge. The revised NPS should therefore include guidance to ensure that port developments are consistent with the UK’s statutory climate targets and are adaptable …
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The Development Consent Order process is designed to streamline planning and accelerate the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects, including by mitigating the risk of legal challenge. The revised NPS should therefore include guidance to ensure that port developments are consistent with the UK’s statutory climate targets and are adaptable to future technological and regulatory changes. (Conclusion, Paragraph 70)
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees to include specific guidance on the Finch judgment and Scope 3 emissions in the final revised National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP). It clarifies that a full Scope 3 analysis will not be automatically presumed for port developments, which differ from fossil …
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Department for Transport
13
Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Accepted in Part
The Government must undertake a thorough assessment of the implications of the Finch judgment for the National Policy Statement for Ports and, where necessary, amends the draft revised NPS to ensure it is legally robust and fit for purpose in reducing the potential for judicial review. Clear guidance must be …
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The Government must undertake a thorough assessment of the implications of the Finch judgment for the National Policy Statement for Ports and, where necessary, amends the draft revised NPS to ensure it is legally robust and fit for purpose in reducing the potential for judicial review. Clear guidance must be inserted in the revised NPS on the implications of the ruling, and on how emissions should be assessed for the purposes of Environmental Impact Assessments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 71)
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees to include specific guidance on the Finch judgment's implications in the final revised National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP). However, it clarifies that a full Scope 3 analysis will not be automatically presumed for port developments, which differ from fossil fuel production …
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Department for Transport
14
Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy Statement …
Rejected
The Development Consent Order process is meant to streamline the planning approval process for nationally significant infrastructure. To achieve this and to reduce duplication of regulatory burdens, the National Policy Statement for Ports should contain similar provisions on deemed marine licences to those in the NPS for renewable energy infrastructure. …
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The Development Consent Order process is meant to streamline the planning approval process for nationally significant infrastructure. To achieve this and to reduce duplication of regulatory burdens, the National Policy Statement for Ports should contain similar provisions on deemed marine licences to those in the NPS for renewable energy infrastructure. The provisions about dredging should also be made less onerous, given its strict regulation through other mechanisms. (Conclusion, Paragraph 84) 33
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the suggestion for deemed marine licences but defers it to DEFRA for further consideration. Regarding dredging, it rejects making provisions less onerous, stating it intends to keep a separate section on dredging in the NPSP due to its unique regulatory features.
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Department for Transport