Policy paper

National Policy Statement: water resources infrastructure

Policy for developing nationally significant infrastructure projects for water resources in England.

Applies to England

Documents

National Policy Statement for water resources infrastructure

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 defra.helpline@defra.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This National Policy Statement is an update to the 2023 National Policy Statement for water resources infrastructure

This National Policy Statement (NPS) aims to: 

  • streamline the planning permission process for nationally significant water infrastructure projects 
  • enable new water supply infrastructure 
  • provide planning guidance for applicants 

The NPS is the primary basis for examination by the Examining Authority. It’s used by the Secretary of State to consider development consent applications for nationally significant water resource infrastructure projects. 

This NPS is supported by an Appraisal of Sustainability and a Habitats Regulations Assessment. These documents can be made available on request from  water.resources@defra.gov.uk.

Updates to this page

Published 8 July 2025

Sign up for emails or print this page