Infrastructure & Major Projects Briefing – Thursday

July 23, 2026

Fastest infrastructure build‑out in a generation

Major infrastructure reforms continue to reshape the planning system.

• NSIP pre‑application consultation scrapped Mandatory pre‑application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects is being removed, cutting up to 12 months from timelines and saving industry around £1bn .

• Early technical support now standard Over 80 prospective applicants have already used the Planning Inspectorate’s early‑advice service, improving clarity and reducing examination delays .

• Government targeting 150 major decisions this Parliament The government is on track to decide 150 major infrastructure projects, nearly triple the previous Parliament’s total. 41 decisions have already been made since taking office .

• 82,000 jobs linked to approved projects Green‑lit schemes — including offshore wind, energy parks and major transport links — could generate 82,000 jobs and expand clean energy capacity nationwide .

Sector impact Expect faster examinations, clearer timetables and increased demand for planners in energy, transport, water, utilities and environmental infrastructure.

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