National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal
Provides access to and updates on the status of existing and newly published National Infrastructure Planning Guidance.
National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal
The Planning Act 2008 (as amended) sets out the process through which applications for development consent are made for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in the fields of energy, transport, water, wastewater, and waste and how such applications can be examined by the Examining Authority and determined by the relevant Secretary of State.
This National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal enables quick and easy access to up-to-date National Infrastructure Planning Guidance (“guidance”). It is being introduced as part of the government’s recent reforms to the NSIP system.
The National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal is coordinated by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities as a central source for all users who wish to find guidance on all aspects of the NSIP system from pre-application through to post-consent changes, and a range of related matters.
The National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal ensures that all people involved in NSIPs have access to a clear and easy to navigate electronic repository of up-to-date guidance.
Status of National Infrastructure Planning Guidance
This is a high-level summary of all changes to the National Infrastructure Planning Guidance including document references and dates of it coming into force.
New National Infrastructure Planning Guidance
As of 17 April 2024, the following new National Infrastructure Planning Guidance is in force:
Introduction to National Infrastructure Planning Guidance (April 2024) – sets out the role and scope of the National Infrastructure Planning Guidance and how it benefits all users of the system.
Planning Act 2008: Infrastructure Planning (Fees) Regulations 2010 - cost recovery by the Planning Inspectorate and public authorities (April 2024) – provides new guidance on the new provisions enabling the charging of fees by the Planning Inspectorate for pre-application services and by prescribed public authorities.
Existing National Infrastructure Planning Guidance remaining in force
As of 17 April 2024, the following guidance documents remain in force. Proposed revision dates are outlined below:
Existing guidance documents will be reviewed as set out above but in some cases little or no change to the content of guidance may be warranted.
Forthcoming National Infrastructure Planning Guidance updates due to come into force in Spring 2024
New sections of the National Infrastructure Planning Guidance will be published sequentially and supersede the previously published National Infrastructure Planning Guidance.
In Spring 2024, guidance will be published on the following aspects of the NSIP consenting process set out below.
- Content of a Development Consent Order (new guidance)
- Pre-application (updated guidance)
- Fast-track (new guidance)
- Acceptance (updated guidance)
- Pre-examination (updated guidance)
- Examination (updated guidance)
Planning Inspectorate advice
The National Infrastructure Planning Guidance should continue to be read in conjunction with the Advice prepared by the Planning Inspectorate.
Planning Inspectorate Advice is in place to continue to inform and assist all those involved in NSIPs by sharing good practice across sectors and across projects.
Keep up to date
To register for a notification of when new National Infrastructure Planning Guidance is published, please click on the Get emails about this page button at the top of this page.