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BIG ISSUE: Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC)

Ports policy under fire on impact lapse

29 January 2010

The draft ports national policy statement (NPS) has come under renewed attack this week over concerns that it could breach the EU habitats directive.

Tories weigh rail process

29 January 2010

Dissent over Conservative plans to abolish the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) has surfaced after a party think-tank proposed a high-speed rail line.

Councils kick up stink over IPC role in "super sewer"

18 January 2010

Two London boroughs have attacked plans for a "super sewer" in the capital for bypassing local authorities in seeking planning permission.

Pitt pledges open process

15 January 2010

Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) chairman Sir Michael Pitt offered assurances over its accountability as four project proposals were announced last week.

Committee rapped on energy process

15 January 2010

The energy national policy statements (NPSs) have come under attack from planners for failing to deliver on a spatial framework.

Campaigners blast energy NPSs

13 January 2010

Environmental campaigners have lambasted the energy national policy statements (NPSs) at a DECC select committee meeting held today.

Nuclear policy sparks rift

18 December 2009

The government has been slammed for proposing that the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) should not consider nuclear waste when deciding on stations.

Three new IPC commissioners announced

15 December 2009

Outgoing TCPA chief executive Gideon Amos has been confirmed as a commissioner for the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) along with two fresh appointments.

A14 speed up move denied

20 November 2009

The government has dismissed calls for the A14 upgrade in Cambridgeshire to be passed to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) to speed scheme approval.

Miliband sets out energy NPSs

9 November 2009

Energy and climate secretary Ed Miliband has unveiled six draft National Policy Statements (NPSs) to guide planning decisions on energy infrastructure.

The RTPI has welcomed the publication of the first of the draft National Policy Statements (NPSs) but has called for an overall spatial plan to deliver infrastructure, jobs and climate change benefits.

NPSs: Ten sites on nuclear shortlist

9 November 2009

The government’s new draft Nuclear NPS has shortlisted ten sites for the development of a new generation of nuclear power stations.

Charging questions raised on councils' project input

23 October 2009

Councils could face a raft of responsibilities under the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) regime despite receiving no extra funding, experts have warned.

IPC announces projects list

22 October 2009

The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) has today announced the first major projects that it expects to receive as applications.

IPC chief executive announced

13 October 2009

The chief executive of the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) has been announced today as John Saunders.

IPC open for business

9 October 2009

The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) is a new organisation which will be at the heart of decision making on national infrastructure projects.

Rural group calls for experts to help public in major inquiries

9 October 2009

Communities should receive professional expertise to help them participate in major infrastructure inquiries, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has urged.

Tories repeat vow to abolish planning quango

5 October 2009

The Tories have repeated their promise to scrap the Government's new national planning quango despite business support for the agency.

Pitt to resist interference

2 October 2009

Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) chairman Sir Michael Pitt has vowed to stand firm against any political influence on the new body's decisions.

Tories launch blistering assault on IPC

1 October 2009

The Conservative Party has used the IPC's opening day to launch a blistering attack on the body.

Infrastructure Planning Commission launches today

1 October 2009

The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) has opened its doors today.

Party marks IPC for chop

25 September 2009

The upcoming infrastructure planning commission (IPC) is among the quangos that the Liberal Democrats would scrap to save money and seek greater local devolution.

Planning Aid gears up for IPC launch

24 September 2009

Planning Aid has strengthened its management team with the appointment of national planner, Sue Manns.

Lib Dems get savage with quangos

21 September 2009

The Liberal Democrats would scrap the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) and the nine regional development agencies along with other quangos if they get into power.

Tory clarity on IPC urged

18 September 2009

Planning experts have urged the Tories to clarify their position on the infrastructure planning commission (IPC).

Three IPC commissioners named

3 September 2009

The government has named three more commissioners who have been appointed to the newly established Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).

Pitt demands engagement

7 August 2009

Infrastructure planning commission (IPC) chairman Sir Michael Pitt has warned developers that lack of public consultation could be the biggest barrier for applications.

Tories lift threat of axe for commission

24 July 2009

A Tory government would integrate the infrastructure planning commission (IPC) into the Planning Inspectorate, shadow planning minister Bob Neill said this week.

Paper details inquiry scope

24 July 2009

The infrastructure planning commission (IPC) may allow third parties to cross-examine developers under proposals for how inquiries into major projects will be run.

Call for clarity on future of IPC

21 July 2009

Clarity is needed on the future of the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) if investment in the UK energy supply industry is to be secured, according to a report.

Upton made panel deputy

17 July 2009

RTPI secretary-general Robert Upton has been named as one of the infrastructure planning commission (IPC)'s two deputy chairs.

Delay hits national policy statements

15 July 2009

The first national policy statements (NPS) for major infrastructure will not emerge until the autumn, planning minister John Healey has announced.

Major infrastructure: policy delay on non-nuclear energy

Commission facing application deluge

3 July 2009

The infrastructure planning commission (IPC) has been deluged with applications for major projects three months before it begins work.

IPC offshore wind farm role set out

24 June 2009

The UK needs "an efficient, but robust planning process" if the offshore wind industry is to flourish, according to a new report.

Tory defends policy shot over Pitt's bow

22 May 2009

Tory shadow planning minister Bob Neill has stood by his decision to warn the infrastructure planning commission (IPC)'s chairman that his party would scrap the body.

Pitt formally confirmed in IPC role

30 March 2009

Sir Michael Pitt has been officially announced as the chair of the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).

IPC consultation launched

30 March 2009

The government has launched consultation into the pre-application process for plans submitted to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).

IPC chair salary revealed

17 March 2009

The prospective chairman of the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) Sir Michael Pitt will receive an annual salary of £184,000 for a four-day working week.

Bill bids for airport expansion control

20 February 2009

An MP is proposing a bill that would see parliament rather than the infrastructure planning commission (IPC) decide on Heathrow Airport's expansion.

Tories unveil planning shake-up

17 February 2009

The Conservative Party has set out plans to dismantle regional planning, scrap the housing and planning delivery grant and create twelve new elected mayors.

IPC delivery timetable unveiled

27 January 2009

A timetable for how the government will set up the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) and get it ready to decide major projects was unveiled today.

Nuclear sites criteria published

27 January 2009

The government has announced the criteria to assess potential sites for the first wave of new nuclear power stations in the UK.

RTPI praised for Planning Bill 'leadership'

10 December 2008

Communities minister Baroness Andrews is to praise the RTPI for showing "leadership and vision" in helping to push through the reforms of the Planning Bill.

Lawyers touted for panel

28 November 2008

Leading planning lawyers are being headhunted for the infrastructure planning commission (IPC), which is to go ahead after the Planning Bill got Royal Assent this week.

Ministers set facility veto

24 October 2008

The government has extended the grounds on which it could intervene in decisions made by the proposed infrastructure planning commission (IPC).

Exhibition highlights bridge design

31 July 2008

The Xstrata Treetop Walkway at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the 2012 Olympic Park Footbridge feature in a new exhibition celebrating the best design in bridges, viaducts and walkways in the UK.

Government sees off Planning Bill rebellion

26 June 2008

The government has seen off a backbench rebellion over its planning reforms including its Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).

RTPI welcomes Planning Bill amendments

26 June 2008

The government has indicated that it will not pursue the introduction of Local Member Review Bodies (LMRBs) through the Planning Bill.

Government makes Planning Bill concessions

24 June 2008

The government has made key concessions to rebel MPs opposed to the establishment of an Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) as part of the Planning Bill.

London Councils slams 'ghastly' IPC

24 June 2008

London Councils has called on MPs to reject proposals in Planning Bill for an infrastructure planning commission (IPC) at the Bill's third reading, due to take place tomorrow.

Government signals Planning Bill changes

13 June 2008

The government has signalled that it may amend key aspects of the Planning Bill in the face of growing unrest among backbench MPs and opposition.

Parliament: furore over infrastructure decision-making

Labour faces revolt in commission vote

6 June 2008

The government could face its biggest backlash yet on planning reforms when MPs finally vote on the proposed infrastructure planning commission's (IPC) powers.

MPs offered more say on planning

6 June 2008

Planning minister John Healey has attempted to stem a rebellion over the planning bill.

MPs dismiss climate duty

6 June 2008

Climate change campaigners were dealt a huge blow this week when calls for a duty to take the issue into account in the Planning Bill, now before parliament, were rejected.

PM confirms search for nuclear sites

6 June 2008

The Prime Minister Gordon Brown has confirmed that the Government is to look for sites to house new nuclear power stations.

Planning Bill vote postponed again

5 June 2008

A key vote on proposals to set up a commission to decide major infrastructure in the Planning Bill has been postponed until the week beginning 23rd June amid a prospective backlash from MPs.

Lords signal climate links to Planning Bill

23 May 2008

House of Lords members have indicated that they will push for Planning Bill amendments to ensure that climate change is taken into account as part of policy-making.

Lawyer raps panel set-up

18 April 2008

Latest planning reforms will allow ministers to hide behind the proposed infrastructure planning commission (IPC), a leading lawyer has claimed.

Bill triggers fear on inspectorate's role

1 February 2008

Changes to the planning appeal system proposed in the latest round of reforms have prompted questions over the future role of the Planning Inspectorate (PINS).

Institute gets its chance to voice concerns over planning reforms

18 January 2008

The RTPI gave evidence to the standing committee on the Planning Bill last week.

Sector seeks links for levy

11 January 2008

The property sector is calling for the mooted community infrastructure levy to be integrated into local development frameworks (LDFs).

RTPI steps up attack on member appeals

10 January 2008

The RTPI this week renewed its attack on proposals to remove the right of independent appeal for minor planning applications.

Planning changes 'to ease nuclear programme'

10 January 2008

Changes in the Planning Bill will help bring forward a new generation of nuclear power stations, according to the government.

Planning Reform Bill debate airs RTPI policy statement concerns

4 January 2008

MPs raised many of the RTPI's issues in the second reading of the Planning Reform Bill shortly before Christmas.

Reform bill set for committee stages

14 December 2007

The Planning Reform Bill passed its second reading this week despite attempts by the Tories to stop the creation of an infrastructure planning commission (IPC).

Sustainable case pressed

14 December 2007

The Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) this week said it is not convinced that sustainability has been made central to the Planning Reform Bill.

Planning bill 'threatens social homes delivery'

11 December 2007

The National Housing Federation (NHF) has warned that a key element of the government's proposed planning bill could jeopardise the delivery of social homes.

RTPI welcomes government input to national policy statements

7 December 2007

The RTPI has broadly welcomed the Planning Reform Bill but the workings of the proposed infrastructure planning commission and the development of national policy statements (NPSs) have still to pass a series of tests.

Bill proposes council levy

30 November 2007

The proposed community infrastructure levy (CIL) in the Planning Reform Bill will let councils charge developers for infrastructure not related to specific schemes.

Reform sparks fear over public's input

30 November 2007

Doubts were raised over the public's right to be heard on major infrastructure schemes despite government reassurances in the Planning Reform Bill published this week.

Bid to let councils quash restrictive site clauses

30 November 2007

Legislation to allow town halls to override costly restrictive covenants on sites compulsorily purchased for regeneration schemes was among proposals put before Parliament this week.

DCLG to alter frameworks

30 November 2007

Councils whose local development frameworks (LDFs) are unsound will no longer need to restart the process, the DCLG has agreed.

Planning gain receipts set for strategic infrastructure

29 November 2007

The proposed community infrastructure levy would enable councils to charge developers for infrastructure not directly related to a development.

Government proposes development plan reforms

29 November 2007

Councils should no longer have to return to square one if their local development frameworks are found unsound, the DCLG has proposed.

Infrastructure proposals 'could stifle objections'

29 November 2007

Planning professionals today cast doubt on government moves to give the public a say on major infrastructure schemes.

Planning bill 'vague' on consultation

28 November 2007

Yesterday's planning reform bill did not make adequate provision for community consultation, the RTPI has said.

Council appeal panels condemned by expert

28 November 2007

A planning expert today slammed proposals in the Planning Reform Bill to transfer many planning appeals to local councillors.

RTPI calls for greater clarity on bill requirements

28 November 2007

The RTPI said today that the new Planning Reform Bill could lead to a rash of legal challenges over decisions by the new infrastructure commission.

Government reserves right to cap new planning charge

28 November 2007

The government will be able to cap the rate of its new community infrastructure levy under proposals in yesterday's Planning Reform Bill.

We'll slash planning time, says Blears

16 November 2007

The time it takes for major transport infrastructure projects to clear the UK planning system will be slashed by half under new legislation, the communities secretary has pledged.

Rail group calls for better transport planning

13 November 2007

The government needs to include a rail statement in its suite of proposed national infrastructure statements, a report claimed today.

Lawyers concerned bill will stall system

9 November 2007

Leading planning lawyers voiced concern this week that measures in the planning reform bill could lead to a slower planning process.

Infrastructure commission proposal confirmed

6 November 2007

The Queen's speech today confirmed that the government will introduce a planning bill to bring forward a new independent infrastructure commission.

Hill issues warning on commission plan

2 November 2007

Former Labour housing and planning minister Keith Hill will lobby against the infrastructure planning commission (IPC) proposed by the government, it has emerged.

Government drops development tax

12 October 2007

Proposals for a tax on the increase in land values gained upon receipt of planning permission have been shelved and replaced with a tariff-based approach.

Ash: Slams white paper infrastructure proposal

White paper panned

3 August 2007

Former chief planner Mike Ash today launched a broadside against 'undemocratic' proposals in the planning white paper

Tory attacks commission

15 June 2007

Government proposals for an infrastructure planning commission (IPC) have been criticised by a member of the Commons DCLG committee for being too vague.

Mayor blasts commission

8 June 2007

The government must make a better case for an unelected independent planning commission, London mayor Ken Livingstone said this week.

Loft conversions 'made more difficult'

8 June 2007

Changes proposed to the planning system to make home renovation easier will make it more difficult for householders to build loft conversions, the Federation of Master Builders warned last week.

Planning white paper: key recommendations

21 May 2007

The planning white paper makes proposals for two broad areas: town and country planning and major infrastructure.

White paper reveals infrastructure panel details

21 May 2007

The government today outlined how its proposed new national infrastructure panel would decide planning applications.

Fine print reveals development policy shift

24 May 2007

The Royal Town Planning Institute has criticised government plans to loosen development restrictions on land not covered by local planning policies.

Green belts left alone by planning white paper

18 May 2007

Monday's planning white paper will preserve current green belt restrictions, it has emerged.

Kelly: town centres still come first

18 May 2007

Communities secretary Ruth Kelly has given assurances that next week's planning white paper will not abolish the 'town centres first' policy.

White paper analysis

Institute keeps up the pressure as Planning Reform Bill scrutinystarts

11 January 2008

As planning reforms are debated by a parliamentary committee, the RTPI continues to push for amendments to ensure that the profession's interests are represented and its concerns dealt with, Rynd Smith explains.

Clouds on the horizon

24 August 2007

The next round of reform to the planning system is showing few signs of delivering environmentally sustainable answers to the country's infrastructure needs, cautions Simon Marsh.

Shellhaven: planning delays could be repeated

Called to account

3 August 2007

Proposed infrastructure reforms will reduce accountability, says a former chief planner.

Legal report

29 June 2007

Will new legislation help renewables schemes get approval?

Retail hiatus predicted

15 June 2007

Developers, consultants and authorities have been left high and dry over prospects for town and city centre renewal as the market endures further uncertainty, reports Flemmich Webb.

Energy aims threatened

8 June 2007

Streamlined planning controls over the installation of domestic renewable energy equipment may not have the effect that ministers are looking for, warn Janet Askew and Tim Edmundson.

Fast-track system needs more detail

1 June 2007

New government proposals to streamline the planning process lack necessary guidance, says Stephen Nicol.

Planning White Paper: Needs test removal should be welcomed

22 May 2007

Ian Anderson, head of retail planning at property consultant CBRE says removing the needs test does not mean developers will circle town centres like vultures.