Nationally significant infrastructure projects and housing briefing note
On 28 October 2015, the government published a briefing note providing further information on the nationally significant infrastructure planning clause of the Housing and Planning Bill 2015.
Clause 107 allows an element of housing when development consent is granted for a nationally significant infrastructure project. This permits housing which is related to the infrastructure to be consented as part of a development consent order. The briefing note provides guidance about the circumstances where housing will be acceptable and the amount and type of housing allowable.
It suggests that housing will be allowed in cases where:
- There is a functional need for the housing in terms of the construction or operation of a project. For example where housing (rather than temporary accommodation) is needed for construction workers, or to support a 24 hour presence on the site for key workers.
- The housing is not functionally linked to the infrastructure project but is in geographical proximity to the project. For example, housing which is within the boundary of an infrastructure project such as a business and commercial project that includes housing, or housing that is adjacent to or in close proximity of a nationally significant project (eg a rail station on a railway line). In this context, “close to” should be considered to be up to 1 mile away from any part of the infrastructure.
It will not allow projects that only comprise housing.
The guidance makes clear it is very unlikely that the Secretary of State will grant consent for more than 500 dwellings in a single development consent order and that in some locations, for example those where development is already restricted by policies in the national planning policy framework, a lower amount of housing, or no housing at all, will be appropriate. This might include policies intended to protect the green belt or heritage assets.
A final version of the briefing note will be published if the clause receives Royal Assent.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.