Removing pre-application consultation requirement could accelerate planning application timelines by up to 12 months, according to the UK government. Separate move to quash meritless planning appeals has already protected one large-scale solar project from a lengthy legal battle.
Planning reforms expected to cut pre-application timelines for large-scale solar by up to 12 months have been approved in the United Kingdom, cutting red tape for projects in England and Wales.
From July 24, the UK government will scrap mandatory pre-application consultation requirements for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), a move which will streamline the planning process for solar projects with capacity greater than 100 MW in England and 350 MW in Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate planning regimes.
Energy generating projects above these thresholds must apply for planning through the centralized NSIP process, rather than via local government planning offices. This is typically more expensive and time-consuming than dealing with local planners, and the final decision on project approval is made by the relevant UK government cabinet minister.
Changes to UK planning law remove a slew of consultation obligations, including requirements to consult statutory consultees, landowners, local authorities and the community before submitting a development consent application to the government.
