Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 89
There is a multiplicity of different bodies involved in securing planning consent for grid infrastructure...
Conclusion
There is a multiplicity of different bodies involved in securing planning consent for grid infrastructure and this process needs to be streamlined. We welcome the commitment to cutting processing times by fifty per cent and appreciate the challenge that this constitutes. However, in light of the evidence we received, it is clear that in order to meet government net zero and renewable energy generation targets a reduction in processing times of fifty per cent is the least that needs to happen.
Government Response Summary
The Government recognizes the need to streamline the planning consent process and is amending the energy National Policy Statements (NPSs) and working with Ofgem to expedite the regulatory approvals process.
Paragraph Reference:
89
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government recognises that a step change is needed in the planning and consenting process to achieve net zero goals and has set out actions in the Electricity Networks Strategic Framework (ENSF) on cutting timescales through streamlining the planning consent process and removing barriers to infrastructure built in relation to land rights consent. In the BESS, we committed to accelerate network infrastructure to enable delivery of our 50GW offshore wind target by 2050. As part of this, the Government is amending the energy National Policy Statements (NPSs) to ensure that they reflect the strategic importance of network planning and support the needs case for infrastructure; revised NPSs will be produced and published soon. Furthermore, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is leading a National Infrastructure Planning Reform Programme which will identify what the Government, its arm-length bodies, and other statutory bodies can collectively do to improve the performance of the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) planning process to accelerate development consent, as well as to support Local Authorities. The Government intends to publish a full NSIP Reform Action Plan, as well as consultations on further regulatory and guidance changes to improve the operation of the system, in due course. In parallel to the planning acceleration processes set out above, the Government will continue to work with Ofgem to expedite the regulatory approvals process and exempt key infrastructure from the immediate introduction of competition, where this could delay delivery. The Government is aware that this is a complex, multi-faceted piece of work