Secretary for Transport, Local Government and the Regions Stephen Byers has announced measures to speed up decisions on major infrastructure projects, The measures are based on the 1999 consultation paper on planning reform for infrastructure projects.
The proposed legislation, announced by Byers in answer to a parliamentary question, aims to speed up the time taken to grant permission to projects like Stansted Airport, Heathrow Terminal 5, Manchester Airport Second Runway and the East London River Crossing
Critics had argued that the measures to speed up the process for “projects of national significance” would rob the public of their voice putting an end to public consultation. The Government has recently been harangued by the Town and Country Planning Association over its handling of the planning consultation process when pushing through Heathrow’s fifth terminal.
But Byers said: “These big projects are essential for our economic future but they are also controversial because they often affect the lives of people living near the planned project. The proposals I am announcing streamline the procedures and reduce unnecessary delays while safeguarding and increasing public consultation and involvement.”
He insisted that the public would actually be given more say on proposals, “when the Government consults on its national policy statements; when the principle of a specific proposal is put to Parliament; and when a public inquiry considers the detail of a proposal”.
The measures will introduce:
- National policy statements focusing on Government policy which would normally involve public consultation. The statements will be in place before major projects are considered in the planning system. Policy statements on airports, for example, aim to reduce the inquiry time devoted to debates about the Government’s line.
- Consultation on a regional basis with a public examination before an independent panel.
- New Parliamentary procedures to enable the Secretary of State to put a project of national significance to Parliament for debate and agreement on the broad principles ahead of a more detailed inquiry.
- Improved public inquiry procedures, including strengthening the powers of inspectors, stricter timetabling and more clearly focused terms of reference. These changes will come into operation as soon as practicable.
The DTLR said: “Stephen Byers is determined to ensure that public involvement will be protected and enhanced. He has ruled out proposals to abolish the right to cross-examine at public inquiries.”
The Government will also look at ways to speed up major transport infrastructure projects by streamlining the pre-construction phase and using better procurement techniques. The Government estimates that these measures could cut three to five years off the 10 years it now takes to start works on a road scheme.
EGi News 23/07/01
