Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP)

The Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) process deals with the granting of development consent for large-scale projects, such as:

• major new transport, utilities and energy infrastructure
• large-scale business and commercial developments

Development Consent Orders (DCOs) are a form of planning permission that can integrate other types of approval, such as highways / infrastructure works and Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO).

NSIP applications are examined by The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) through independent examination, a form of public inquiry, rather than by the Council as the Local Planning Authority. The project developers are nevertheless required to carry out extensive pre-application public consultation prior to submitting their application direct to PINS.  After examining an application the Planning Inspectorate makes a report and recommendation on the project to the Secretary of State (usually for Transport) who then decides whether to grant or refuse development consent.

Further information on the NSIP process can be found at National Infrastructure Planning (hosted by The Planning Inspectorate)