Introduces the system for planning and consenting Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects in England. Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) are the major UK projects involving power stations and large renewable energy schemes, motorways, railways, and a range of other high profile, high impact, and sometimes controversial development schemes, including some closely linked to the United Kingdom’s transition to Net Zero. This book explains where the separate system for governing major infrastructure came from and how it operates in practice, with a particular focus on the relationship between planning, consent, and delivery of these infrastructure projects. Detailed case studies of the A14 highway, Thames Tideway super sewer, Galloper offshore windfarm, and Progress Power station, drawing on research by the authors, illustrate issues of the often-overlooked continuing role of local government, the engagement of local communities and stakeholders, and the modification of schemes between consent and construction. Confronting ongoing government planning reform, increased concern about climate change, and still unresolved consequences of Brexit, as well as timeless debates like over national need versus local impact, this timely book offers rich detail on the particular approach to major infrastructure planning in England but also speaks to wider issues around the governance of development and implementation of government policy under late capitalism.
