Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Ninth Report - Draft revised National Policy Statement for National Networks
Transport Committee
HC 903
Published 20 October 2023
Government response
Draft revised National Policy Statement for National Networks: Government response to the Committee's Ninth Report · published 11 Mar 2024
Recommendations & Conclusions
2
Recommendation
Rejected
Introduce regular five-year review periods for the National Networks National Policy Statement.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Department for Transport
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3
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 27
Draft NNNPS requires stronger greenhouse gas emission measures for net zero alignment.
Conclusion
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, …
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Government Response 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.
Department for Transport
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10
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 53
Amend draft NNNPS to include current Clause 5.29 equivalent for biodiversity protection.
Recommendation
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 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.
Department for Transport
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