Consultation on streamlining infrastructure planning

Closes 27 Oct 2025

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Reforming NSIP Services: pre-application services

33. Is government correct in seeking to reframe the pre-application services provided by the Planning Inspectorate in this way? Are these the right objectives? Are there any additional changes to these services in light of the removal of statutory pre-application consultation that guidance should seek to clarify? We would particularly welcome reflections from developers on what factors they take into account in determining which services is most appropriate for their project.

Please provide your views.

34. What alternative models could government consider for pre-application support in order to enable better collective oversight and co-ordination of input across statutory bodies?

Please provide your views.

35. What steps could government take to make the enhanced service more attractive to applicants of complex and high priority projects?

Please provide your views.

36. Should guidance be more directive in setting out that, where applicants are advised that a project has been assessed by the Planning Inspectorate as being in need of a higher level of service (for reasons including project complexity and local circumstances), applicants are expected to adopt that level of service?

Please provide your views.

37. Should guidance also specify that recommendations made by the Planning Inspectorate on the allocation of their pre-application services ought to be informed by considerations about whether the project or project type has been identified by government as a priority? If so, would this have any unintended consequences? Would it be important for government to be clear and transparent on what its priority projects are?

Please provide your views.

38. Are there any changes that could be made to pre-application service offerings by public bodies?

Please provide your views.

39. Should the ability to cost recover be extended additional or all statutory bodies that are prescribed in the Planning Act 2008 and Schedule 1 to the 2009 Regulations (as amended?)

Please provide your views.

40. How should government develop key performance indicators for public bodies providing cost recoverable services for NSIP applications, and if so, what should those key performance indicators contain?

Please provide your views.

41. In what ways can government support local authorities as they implement cost recoverable services?

Please provide your views.

42. How else can government support local authorities in their role engaging with NSIP applications, as they adapt their role to take account of reforms through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill?

Please provide your views.