Open consultation

Proposed amendments to the existing national policy statement for ports

Applies to England

Summary

Seeks views on the draft revised national policy statement for ports (2025).

This consultation closes at

Consultation description

We are seeking views on revisions to the current national policy statement for ports (NPSP), which was designated in January 2012. It outlines the government’s policy framework for the development of nationally significant infrastructure across different sectors.

The NPSP applies to ports in England and Milford Haven port in Wales (as a reserved trust port) and associated road and rail links, where relevant. Elsewhere in the UK, port policy is devolved.

Proposals made to the NPSP are due to significant policy and economic changes that have led to structural amendments for port infrastructure since 2012.

This consultation aims to identify whether the draft revised NPSP presented is fit for purpose. It contains:

  • consultation information, including what we are looking for and how to respond
  • the draft revised NPSP document showing comments and track changes
  • the appraisal of sustainability (AoS)
  • habitats regulations assessment (HRA)

The AoS and HRA are both statutory requirements under the (s.6(6) Planning Act 2008, Reg. 110 Habitats Regulations). You can read them alongside this consultation, however, this is not necessary for your response.

Documents

Proposal for a revised national policy statement for ports

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email webmasterdft@dft.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Appraisal of sustainability

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email webmasterdft@dft.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Habitats regulations assessment

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email webmasterdft@dft.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Ways to respond

or

Complete a response form and either

Email to:

portsnpsconsultation@dft.gov.uk

Write to:

Ports and shipping division, maritime directorate
Department for Transport
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London, SW1P 4DR

Updates to this page

Published 4 June 2025

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