Campaign update

New projects in your area?

New Infrastructure Planning Commission
The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), will officially be able to accept planning applications for consideration from 1 March 2010. It will have decision-making powers on the biggest kinds of development, such as new power stations and airports, that are matters of huge concern to the public.

The map above shows the confirmed locations of some of the projects that the IPC expects to decide on. We are concerned that the public will have reduced rights to engage in scrutinising, improving, and if necessary, stopping developments that are decided by the IPC.

The IPC will be guided in its role by a suite of new National Policy Statements (NPSs). The first draft NPSs to be published covered energy policy, including nuclear, and ports. CPRE raised a number of concerns about the NPSs both to Parliament in written evidence and in consultation responses to Government. We are very concerned that regarding the need for more ports and energy generating facilities the documents seem to state that the need is limitless. The final documents have not yet been published and we are awaiting the publication of other draft NPSs for consultation. Until the NPSs are finalised the IPC will not be able to make final decisions on planning applications, instead they will have to make recommendations to the Secretary of State who will make the final decision.

Map highlights over 100 new developments
Our interactive map shows the location of over 100 potential new developments including incinerators, nuclear power stations, airport expansion and major road schemes. These schemes might be decided on by the unelected and undemocratic Infrastructure Planning Commission, but aren't yet confirmed.
> Major infrastructure projects map

Better Planning coalition
We are part of a coalition of civic and environmental organisations – with over 5 million members – opposed to the Government’s planning reforms, which threaten to make a mockery of local democracy, stripping away your right to participate in major decisions about your area and threaten valuable landscapes, habitats, historic environments and local character.