Nationally significant infrastructure projects

Nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIP) are major infrastructure developments in England and Wales that bypass normal local planning requirements. These include proposals for power plants, large renewable energy projects, new airports and airport extensions, major road projects etc. Created in 2008, since April 2012 these projects have be managed by the Planning Inspectorate.

Nationally significant Infrastructure projects were initially controlled by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC)which was established by the Planning Act 2008, began operating on 1 October 2009 on an advice and guidance basis only prior to gaining full powers to receive and examine and approve applications for development consent came into force on 1 March 2010.

The IPC was abolished by Localism Act 2011 which transferred decision making powers created by the 2008 Act to the relevant Secretary of State and since 1 April 2012, the acceptance and examination of applications for development consent is dealt with by a new Infrastructure Planning Unit within the Planning Inspectorate.

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