New fast track planning starts10 March 2010
The new planning system
From 1 March the new Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) can start to receive applications for major infrastructure projects such as:
- Airports and Railways
- Power stations
- Large waste incinerators
- Ports and reservoirs
These projects will have a huge impact on our future carbon emissions.
How does the new system work?
A new Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) will hear proposals and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State.
Decisions of the IPC will be mostly determined by National Policy Statements (NPSs) which are used to set out how these major projects will develop.
There will be a new public examination system with:
- A limited open floor hearing
- No public right to bring witnesses
- No public right to conduct cross-examination
This has resulted in a process that does not safeguard communities' right to be heard and NPSs which are deeply flawed and may breach European and UK law.
For more information you can view a map of potential projects and a full list detailing where they are in the application process.

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