Nationally significant infrastructure projects


Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects are major infrastructure developments in England and Wales that bypass normal local planning requirements. These include proposals for power plants, large renewable energy projects, new airports and airport extensions, and major road projects. The NSIP nomenclature began to be used in 2008, and since April 2012 these projects have been managed by the Planning Inspectorate.

History

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects were initially controlled by the Infrastructure Planning Commission which was established by the Planning Act 2008, which began operating on 1 October 2009 on an advice and guidance basis. Full powers of the IPC to receive, examine and approve applications for development consent came into force on 1 March 2010.
The IPC was abolished by the Localism Act 2011 which transferred decision-making powers created by the 2008 Act to the relevant Secretary of State. Since 1 April 2012, acceptance and examination of applications for development consent is dealt with by a new Infrastructure Planning Unit within the Planning Inspectorate.

Procedure

NSIPs are given planning permission via a Development Consent Order.