Aldersgate Group reaction: Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Responding to the introduction of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in Parliament, Signe Norberg, Head of External Affairs of the Aldersgate Group, said: “The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a critical milestone as the government looks to fulfil its promises to drive economic growth, ease the housing crisis, and enable the delivery of crucial renewable infrastructure. To meet these important goals, the government has correctly recognised that the system requires reform.

As the government implements these changes, it must continue to recognise that robust public buy-in and a thriving natural environment are fundamental to driving growth, not in opposition to it. The Bill must incorporate a clear recognition of our climate and environmental targets. A well-designed planning system can enable the deployment of the renewable energy infrastructure that we need, while protecting nature, maximising community engagement, and unlocking private sector investment.

Additionally, the government is increasingly taking a strategic spatial planning approach, with the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan and the Land Use Framework, which is very welcome. Policy clarity on trade-offs for the use of land, such as renewable energy development, carbon sequestration, nature recovery, agriculture or housing, and how these will be managed will be crucial for the planning system to operate effectively and deliver positive outcomes for the UK.”