CBI welcomes new major infrastructure planning body
The CBI today welcomed the launch of the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), which will be responsible for over-seeing decisions on major infrastructure planning applications
John Cridland, CBI Deputy Director-General, said: "For too long infrastructure schemes of major national importance have ended up getting bogged down in planning delays. The launch of the Infrastructure Planning Commission should streamline the planning process and encourage investment in the country's vital infrastructure.
"We urgently need new nuclear powerstations and windfarms to bolster our energy security and cut carbon emissions. The new Commission should help ensure that decisions in the national interest will be made swiftly by independent experts.
"Some firms, frustrated by the UK's planning regime, have already taken their investments overseas, so the top priority for the government must be to publish the National Policy Statements on infrastructure development sooner rather than later. That will allow firms to invest with confidence, and get on with building the new transport and energy infrastructure needed to shift to a low-carbon economy."
