Demystifying the strategic infrastructure planning process
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
How well is the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) geared up to meet future challenges?
[edit] Making sense of the process
When it comes to developing strategic national infrastructure system interventions, how would you identify what’s needed? And given finite resources, how would you go about prioritising those interventions?
The challenge is further complicated by the long timescales involved in delivering most strategic infrastructure interventions and the high costs (and benefits) at stake. Get it wrong, and the effect is multiplied through:
- The upfront cost you’ll never get back (from planning or aborted construction).
- The increased cost of other ‘needs’ left unaddressed (e.g. the existing bridge left unmaintained).
- The opportunity cost from missing out on the benefits of the interventions you deprioritised.
Strategic infrastructure planning processes aim to overcome that uncertainty. They identify, plan and prioritise a package of interventions to ensure the infrastructure system delivers sustainable outcomes far into the future.
[edit] The current process for strategic infrastructure planning in the UK
In 2015, a new NIC was set up to take the guesswork out of strategic infrastructure decision making and recalibrate infrastructure planning towards future need.
The NIC assesses the UK’s infrastructure system every five years. It provides independent and expert advice to decision makers on the interventions needed within a five-yearly cycle to evolve the system to meet future requirements. This came in the shape of a National Infrastructure Assessment in 2018.
The Government has since taken that advice and outlined how the recommendations will be made a reality; this was set out in the National Infrastructure Strategy published in November 2020.
[edit] Why was this process established?
In the mid-2010s, the UK was close to - or already over - capacity across infrastructure networks such as transport and energy. In turn, this capacity crunch was serving as a drag on investment and economic growth. Additionally, several assets were nearing the end of life and would require replacements or upgrades.
Several reviews pinpointed poor infrastructure planning, policy reversals, a lack of cross-party consensus and political indecision as inhibitors of the long-term stable investment required to avoid this situation altogether. ICE Past-President Sir John Armitt conducted the most notable of these reviews for the Labour Party, which outlined an independent, evidence-led commission and a rigorous decision making process as the best solution.
Upon election in 2015, the Conservative Party led by David Cameron swiftly adopted the idea. It went about putting in place the framework for this new approach.
[edit] Reviewing the process for UK strategic infrastructure planning
Since the NIC was created, the UK has signed up to achieving challenges such as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and net zero carbon target. Both will require significant, timely and strategic interventions in the infrastructure system.
Additionally, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic may bring changes in how we live and work, requiring greater flexibility in the infrastructure system. Is the current process for strategic infrastructure planning geared up to address these future challenges? ICE has published a discussion paper that examines this question.
This article originally appeared on The Infrastructure Blog portion of the ICE website under the headline, 'Demystifying the strategic infrastructure planning process in the UK'. It was written by Chris Richards, ICE Policy Director and published on 12 April 2021.
--The Institution of Civil Engineers
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Government publishes UK infrastructure strategy.
- ICE articles.
- National Infrastructure Assessment 2018.
- National Infrastructure Commission NIC.
- National infrastructure plan.
- National Infrastructure Strategy.
- New deal for infrastructure 2020.
- Place infrastructure at the heart of economic policy.
- Post-Brexit vision for construction.
- Osborne launches National Infrastructure Commission.
- Safeguarding infrastructure post-Brexit.
- What should be in the National Infrastructure Strategy?
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
London Build Fire and Security Expo
20-21 Nov and now with new Ambassador Programme..
The Scottish Building Safety Levy
Eight weeks of consultation closing on 18 November.
The grey, the brown and the golden rules of housing
shifting policies from the wild west of housing development.
Future proofing homes that are fit for purpose
Specification challenges and the role of plastic.
Thousands of new homes unlocked for brownfield sites
£68 million to 54 councils for neglected land into new homes.
Roof terraces and higher-risk buildings
Context, review, interpretation, case and guidance..
Sustainable Futures. Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
More speakers confirmed for BSRIA Briefing 2024.
Architecture in Britain and Ireland, 1530 - 1830
Steven Brindle’s book is required reading.
Employment Rights Bill; making work pay
‘Biggest uplift in employment rights law since the 1970s’
Battle for Mill Road Free Library
Years of failures by the county and city councils.
The accolades that demonstrate and recognise outstanding achievement.
What is the Conference of the Parties ?
The who, where, what and when before no 29.
CIOB signs up to Green Skills At COP campaign
In preparation for COP29 on 11 November in Azerbaijan.
2024 ECA Industry Awards evening
Full list of electrical contractors scooping top prizes.
Briefing on the implications of the final Grenfell inquiry report
What it means for Architectural Technology professionals.
CIOB Art of Building photo contest 2024
International showcase for the very best photography of the built environment.