Transport and Energy Infrastructure planning news, March 2018
01 Mar 2018
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Print this planning news
Headline news |
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Government faces criticism over slow progress of infrastructure projects
The NIC’s first annual monitoring report has criticised the Government’s progress on a number of major infrastructure projects, including Crossrail 2, HS3 and the planned expansion of Heathrow Airport.
The report examines the Government’s progress against key recommendations previously made by the Commission, as well 12 infrastructure priorities where immediate action was needed.
Whilst the report welcomes the progress made by the Government toward improving the UK’s energy networks and digital connectivity, it has revealed how the Government has lacked clear plans regarding the funding and delivery of Crossrail 2 and the Northern Powerhouse Rail.
NIC chairman Sir John Armitt stated the lack of progress was ‘irreconcilable with the government’s commitment to deliver the infrastructure the country needs’.
National Infrastructure Commission, ‘Government must do more and better for road, rail and broadband’National Infrastructure Commission, Annual Monitoring Report 2018
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Quote of the month |
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| National Infrastructure Commission Chairman Sir John Armitt, commenting on just one aspect of NIC’s first Annual Monitoring Report | ||
Transport |
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Rail
Network Rail plan for improvements along Manchester-Sheffield line
The Department for Transport (DfT) has approved Network Rail's plans for new passing facilities on the Manchester to Sheffield Hope Valley route at Bamford and Dore, as well as adding a second track around Dore & Totley station.
Train journeys between Sheffield and Manchester currently take between 50 and 80 minutes. The plans will allow passenger trains to overtake freight trains, reducing journey times to around 40 minutes.
Department for Transport, Network Rail Hope Valley Capacity Order
Road
£242 million planned improvements to Trans-Pennine road
A statutory consultation has been launched, following plans for £242 million of investment into the A57, the Trans-Pennine route between Manchester and Sheffield.
The changes will include a new dual carriageway between the M67 and Wooley Bridge, as well as a new single carriageway connecting to the A6018 Roe Cross Road.
As the plans are categorised as a nationally significant infrastructure project, Highways England will need to submit a development consent order application before any work can begin.
The consultation will end on 25 March.
Highways England, ‘Milestone for £242 million Trans-Pennine road improvements’
New grants available for UK space industry
Grants of up to €200,000 are being offered by the UK space Agency and European Space Agency to encourage innovation within the industry. The grants are aimed at developing emerging ideas into new products, covering everything from software to satellites.
The recently published Industrial Strategy states that it is hoped that UK firms capture 10% of the global space market by 2030.
Dr Graham Turnock, Chief Executive at the UK Space Agency commented:
‘The GSTP [General Support Technology Programme] has proven to be a successful way of building know-how and capabilities in the industry and this latest funding will help keep the UK at the forefront of technological innovation.’
UK Space Agency, ‘UK Space Agency announces new funding for industry’
Energy |
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National news
Government to invest in V2G technology
The Government has announced plans to invest £30 million into Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology. V2G technology allows electric vehicle batteries to act as mobile energy units, capable of transferring power back to the grid through bi-directional charging.
As ownership of electric vehicles grows, problems may arise as electricity grids become overloaded under the strain of charging. V2G could potentially mitigate some of these problems by providing system-balancing functions, such as demand shifting, peak shaving and frequency regulation.
Whilst V2G is already used by some companies, the technology is still in its infancy. The funding has been awarded to 21 projects, contributing towards research and development, with the aim of improving the technology and understanding the commercial opportunities it could present.
Wind
Appeal Court rules that wind turbines do not need to 'eliminate' impacts
The Court of Appeal has upheld a decision by Gedling Borough Council, ruling that national policy to ensure that planning impacts have been 'addressed' does not mean they have to have been 'eliminated'.
The issue in the appeal was whether in granting planning permission for a wind turbine, the Borough Council had misinterpreted the 18 June 2015 Written Ministerial Statement setting out new considerations for applications for planning permission for wind turbines.
By way of background to the case, the Council had granted planning permission for a 50m wind turbine in April 2016 in the Green Belt in Nottinghamshire. The Appeal Court case transcript describes the determination process that was undertaken as follows:
‘The grant of permission was in accordance with the recommendation of the Council's planning officer in a careful and detailed report on the application for permission. The officer's report advised that the planning committee could conclude that there were ‘very special circumstances’ to justify the grant of permission for the development in the Green Belt, in accordance with the test laid down in paras. 87-88 of the National Planning Policy Framework (‘NPPF’). It also advised that the planning committee could conclude that the development complied with guidance on proposed wind energy developments in the written ministerial statement.’ [Paragraph 4]
The decision was opposed by a local pressure group, ‘Woodborough and Calverton Against Turbines’; one member of the Group had challenged it, had failed in the High Court and was allowed to appeal only in relation to the contention that the officer in his report had misinterpreted the Statement and therefore had given incorrect advice that the Planning Committee was entitled to conclude that the development complied with its guidance.
With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement, as the application had already been lodged when it was made, its last paragraph on transitional provisions applied - this states:
‘Where a valid planning application for a wind energy development has already been submitted to a local planning authority and the development plan does not identify suitable sites, the following transitional provision applies. In such instances, local planning authorities can find the proposal acceptable if, following consultation, they are satisfied it has addressed the planning impacts identified by affected local communities and therefore has their backing.’
The appellant read this as meaning that an authority had ‘to be satisfied that the proposal has resolved (i.e. eliminated) all the negative planning impacts identified by any member of the relevant local community’. The Appeal Court judges did not agree; they instead concluded:
‘In our view, the natural meaning of the relevant phrase in the last sentence of the Statement is that a local planning authority can find the proposal acceptable if it has sufficiently addressed the planning impacts identified through consultation with the relevant local community to the extent that it can properly conclude, in the exercise of its planning judgment, that the balance of opinion in the local community is likely to be in favour of the proposal.’[Paragraph 22]
They added:
‘…in the planning context the natural meaning of ‘addressed’ is ‘sufficiently addressed’; that is to say, sufficiently addressed by taking into account mitigating factors and countervailing benefits.’ [Paragraph 24]
Holder, R (on the application of) v Gedling Borough Council & Ors [2018]
Fracking
Inquiry into planning guidance for fracking launched
An inquiry has been launched by the House of Commons Communities and Local Government Committee, examining whether planning policy guidance for fracking applications needs to be updated.
‘The debate over fracking has aroused strong views on both sides, but with large reserves of shale gas prevalent across northern England, applications for its extraction are only like to grow over the next few years,’ said Clive Betts, Committee Chair. ‘It’s important all parties, from applicants to local authorities, are clear about the planning process, so we will be looking at whether the guidance is adequate or whether the government could do more to bring all the relevant directions together.’
The inquiry will also consider whether decision-making should be made at the national level, rather than by local authorities.
The deadline for submitting written evidence is 14 March.
Regional |
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Wales news
Consultation launched on geological disposal of radioactive waste
The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on radioactive waste disposal, seeking views on the proposed arrangements for engaging with local communities in Wales.
In particular, the consultation focuses on geological disposal facilities (GDFs) for higher radioactive waste (HAW) and how communities should be involved in the process for deciding whether to voluntarily host GDFs within their areas. Welsh Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, issued a statement to clarify that:
‘Although the Welsh Government supports geological disposal, this does not necessarily mean a GDF will be built in Wales or that the Welsh Government will seek to have a GDF built in Wales. The Welsh Government has not considered or identified any potential sites or communities for a GDF in Wales. Our policy is very clear, a GDF can only be sited in Wales if a community voluntarily comes forward to host it.’
The National Assembly for Wales Research Service has also published an online post that looks at GDFs and whether these should be built in Wales.
The consultation, which runs in parallel to a UK Government consultation on the same issue, will close on 20 April.
Welsh Government, Geological disposal of radioactive waste, Consultation DocumentNational Assembly for Wales Research Service, ‘Should a Geological Disposal Facility be built in Wales?’Welsh Government, Geological disposal of radioactive waste: working with potential host communities, Written Statement
Welsh MPs give backing for Swansea tidal lagoon
MPs from across Wales lined up at the first bilingual session of the Welsh Grand Committee in the Commons to demonstrate the strength of cross-party support for the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon project and tidal power in general.
The project in Swansea Bay would be the world’s first tidal lagoon power plant. Electricity would be generated by the incoming and outgoing tides that would turn hydro-turbines.
A Development Consent Order was issued in 2015 for the project that would potentially generate electricity for 155,000 homes for the next 120 years.
Whilst there have been concerns over the project’s value for money, many see it as an opportunity for the UK to expand its industrial base and become a world leader in an emerging market.
Rob Stewart of Swansea City and county Council has stated:
‘Post-Brexit, this is exactly the kind of innovative project the UK government should be wholeheartedly backing because it will lead to a new global industry in the UK that will benefit British workers and British businesses.’
Future Generations Commissioner for Wales questions environmental permitting process
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Sophie Howe, has written to Natural Resource Wales requesting information on how the Well-being of Future Generations Act is considered and applied during the environmental permitting process.
Sophie Howe said:
‘The approach Natural Resources Wales takes in their environmental permitting decisions has emerged as a common thread in the concerns raised to me by the public and local representatives. […] I have therefore formally requested further information from Natural Resources Wales including worked examples of how the Act has been applied alongside the requirements of other legislation.’
Mayor publishes final version of Transport Strategy
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has issued his Transport Strategy, which will be presented to the London Assembly for their consideration before final publication; this follows last June's draft, which was consulted on until 2 October 2017.
The final version outlines major transport schemes which will be crucial for the development of London over the next two decades, such as the Elizabeth Line, the Northern Line and Bakerloo Line extensions, and new river crossings at Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf.
The Strategy also reiterates how vital Crossrail 2 is to the success of the wider UK economy, as this will enable ‘270,000 more people to travel into and across central London every morning at peak time, and will drive the development of 200,000 homes and 200,000 new jobs across the south east'.
Following feedback received on the June 2017 consultation, the Strategy has been amended to include the potential for a West London Orbital rail line (Hounslow to Cricklewood and Hendon), which could potentially support the delivery of 20,000 extra homes in west London. The Strategy also includes a specific proposal to work with the London Boroughs of Merton and Sutton to progress the development of the proposed Sutton Tram extension.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said:
‘I’ve been clear that we need to be bold in how our city operates as London’s population grows, and this means not only investing record amounts in new infrastructure like extensions to the tube, rail and Crossrail 2, but working with boroughs and local communities to reduce our reliance on car use across London.’
Deputy Mayor for transport demands reinstatement of TfL grants
Speaking at the International Transport Workers’ Federation urban transport committee, London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, Val Shawcross, attacked central government over the cancellation of the TfL operating grant.
The budget is now £700m a year lower after the decision to remove the operating grant was made in 2015. Additionally, the Government has announced that from 2021, the £500m raised in London through Vehicle Excise Duty will be invested in improvements to roads outside of the capital.
Shawcross has demanded for the funding to be reinstated, arguing:
‘Our capital is the beating heart of the UK and our roads are the arteries, so it’s just astounding that the Government is not only prepared to take away vital funding but make London’s drivers pay for roads outside the capital.’
Mayor of London, ‘Government must support London’s transport network for good of the UK’
Report reveals TfL is unprepared for 2040 transport
A recent report has warned that TfL must better predict and prepare for technological change and innovation in the transport sector.
The report, ‘Future Transport: How is London responding to technological innovation?’, published by the London Assembly Transport Committee, highlighted recent developments where TfL have failed to prepare for change, such as with Uber and the dock-less cycle hire company OBike.
Keith Prince, chairman of the London Assembly Transport Committee, commented:
‘The opportunity to improve mobility for millions of Londoners is here but it will require proper planning, transparency and accountability, as well as cooperation with Government, boroughs and development companies.’
London Assembly Transport Committee, ‘London unprepared for 2040 transport’London Assembly, Future transport: how is London responding to technological innovation?
Mayor pledges an additional £10m funding to improve public realm
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has pledged an additional £11.6m of funding for councils to make improvements to streets and local neighbourhoods. The funds will be allocated across the 33 boroughs through the fairer funding formula.
The funding will contribute towards achieving the Mayor’s Healthy Streets strategy, his long-term plan to encourage walking and cycling by improving the safety and quality of London’s streetscape.
The Mayor commented:
‘The extra £11.6m funding I’m announcing in this year’s budget means more funding to get projects off the ground this year, with boroughs having more money available to them than any year under the previous Mayor. We will continue to work closely with boroughs to ensure these schemes are the very best they can be, and truly transform quality of life for Londoners right across the city.’
Mayor of London, Mayor announces more than £10m additional funding for boroughs
Mayor announces six new major cycle routes for London
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced plans for six new cycle routes across the capital, with design work set to begin immediately. The new routes span nine London boroughs that have been identified as having the greatest potential for increased cycling, but currently lack decent and safe infrastructure.
Lilli Matson, TfL’s Director of Transport Strategy, commented:
‘The fact that these corridors have been carefully selected based on where they will benefit cyclists most and will be designed in such a way as to balance the needs of walking, cycling and public transport means they will deliver the best possible results for all Londoners and ensure the investment is well spent.’
The new infrastructure will play an important role in helping the Mayor achieve his aim of 80% of journeys being made by foot, bike or public transport by 2041, thereby easing congestion, improving air quality and bettering the health of Londoners, as set out in his draft London Plan.
Mayor of London, ‘Green light for development of six new cycle routes across London’
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The Lichfields perspective |
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| Giorgio Wetzl, Policy Researcher | ||
Disclaimer: This publication has been written in general terms and cannot be relied on to cover specific situations. We recommend that you obtain professional advice before acting or refraining from acting on any of the contents of this publication. Lichfields accepts no duty of care or liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of any material in this publication. Lichfields is the trading name of Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners Limited. Registered in England, no.2778116
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