UK rewires planning to speed infrastructure and homes

The UK Government has announced planning and environmental reforms under the Plan for Change to accelerate infrastructure delivery and homebuilding while safeguarding the environment.

• Main announcement: The government commits £500 million to environmental planning reforms (including the Nature Restoration Fund and Marine Recovery Fund) and aims to deliver 1.5 million homes this Parliament and fast-track 150 planning decisions on major infrastructure projects by the end of this Parliament; the Lower Thames Crossing will pilot a single Lead Environmental Regulator (Natural England) with the Defra Group Infrastructure Board set to accelerate at least 50 major infrastructure projects including Hinkley Point C, East West Rail and Heathrow expansion.
• Background and implementation details: Measures implement fast-track recommendations from the Corry Review (29 recommendations, 9 already fast-tracked); funding will boost capacity in Natural England and the Environment Agency, use spatial planning and digital technologies, and pilot single-point contacts, streamlined data sharing and escalation routes; the Lower Thames Crossing is described as approximately 14.5 miles (23km) with two tunnels connecting Kent, Thurrock and Essex (A2/M2 to M25).