LONDON, March 12 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
Communities will get new homes, better transport and cleaner energy sooner,thanks to a moredynamic, modernapproach toregulation.
Newguidelinesin the form of Strategic Policy StatementswillgiveNatural England and the Environment Agency- the two most powerful environmental regulators- amandatetoprioritise outcomes over process,speeding up decision-makingwhilemaintaininghighenvironmental standards.This will be backed by £100 million,spread over three years,to fund specialist staff and modern digital systems,so regulators can helpdeveloperstocomplete environmental assessments more quicklyand accurately-cutting costly delays.
Anew Infrastructure Unitwillkeep major projects on track,tacklingplanning problems as they emerge, with the mostcomplex issuespassed totheDefraInfrastructure Boardforfurther scrutiny. Moreover, a new Development Industry Council will bring developers and government together inthe springto discuss practical solutions to planning challenges.
That same drive to streamline decision-making is behind the appointment of a single,Lead Environmental Regulator for East West Rail.Rather thanthedeveloper dealing witha merry-go-round of overlapping environmental bodies, the Environment Agencywillcoordinate streamlined, joined-up advice from allrelevantregulators.This more efficient and streamlined way of working will allow East West Rail to focus on delivering this transformative rail project for communities in Oxford, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Bedford and beyond.
EastWest Railis set to unlock £6.7 billion in economic growth, support 100,000 new homes, and provide more frequent trains for passengers between Oxford and Cambridge.It represents a significant step towards delivering the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, which could add up to £78 billion to the UK economy by 2035 and supportsthe Chancellor'sdriveto move "further and faster" to kick-start growth.
Emma Reynolds, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said:
"Our regulators do vital work protecting the environment we all depend on. These Strategic Policy Statementsgive them a clear mandate to deliver onourtwinmissions - economic growth and nature recovery.
"Having one Lead Environmental Regulator in charge speeds up approvals and helps projects like East West Rail to progress at pace, without compromising our ironclad commitment to the environment. This is a win-win situation for jobs, prosperity and nature.
"Today marks a decisive shift in our drive tomake regulation work for the people of Britain, as we build morehomes, restorenature andstrengthen our communitiesin a decade of national renewal."
Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy said:
"These measureswillacceleratetheEnvironment Agency'songoingshift fromprocess-driventooutcomes-focusedregulation, helping tounblockdevelopment while protecting the environment we all rely on.
"We will play akey roleas Lead Environment Regulator for East West Rail, bringing developers and regulators together to prevent environmental damage and streamline approvals."
Natural England Chief Executive Marian Spain said:
"The clear direction set out by government today directly aligns with our new corporate strategy, which sets how we are going further and faster to recover nature to support growth, public health and food security.
"Natural England's work as Lead Environmental Regulator for the Lower Thames Crossing is already paying dividends, enabling faster decision-making for one of the greenest roads ever. We look forward to seeing similar results for the Environment Agency on the East West Rail project."
David Hughes, Chief Executive Officer, East West Rail, said:
"We warmly welcome the appointment of a Lead Environmental Regulator for East West Rail. This single point of contact will make a huge difference, as it will ensure that key decisions can be made efficiently and effectively. Crucially, this will deliver momentum for the construction of the railway, helping us deliver infrastructure that works for nature and communities, allowing the region to feel the economic and social benefits of East West Rail far sooner than would have otherwise been the case."
New Strategic Policy Statements for Natural Englandand the Environment Agencyset out howtheregulatorsshoulduse constrained discretion to support sensible, place-based decision-making, includingas part ofplanning approvals, while ensuringfull compliance with environmental law. The regulators will use their professional judgement to reach faster decisions that protect nature while supporting the government's growth mission.This willultimatelydrivebetter outcomes for nature recovery, sustainable growth,housebuilding,andinfrastructure delivery.
The appointment of a Lead Environmental Regulatorfor East West Rail builds on the model already being trialled forFalmouth Docks,as well as the Lower Thames Crossing.Natural England'spilotrole as Lead Environmental Regulatorfor the Lower Thames Crossing has been extendedby eight months until September 2026, following early success in finding practical ways tostreamline regulatory processes.
These measures directly support the government's Plan for Change commitment to build 1.5 million homes and fast-track 150 planning decisions on major infrastructure projects by the end of this Parliament.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
