ICE response to National Planning Policy Framework
Commenting on the National Planning Policy Framework, published today, Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Director General Nick Baveystock, said:
“While making the planning system more user-friendly is key to unlocking investment in infrastructure, energy, water and transport networks often sit above the local level requiring a high degree of cooperation from neighbouring authorities. We remain concerned that the ‘Duty to Cooperate’ is insufficient to overcome incentives for local authorities to prioritise very local plans without full regard for how developments might impact on neighbouring localities. This must be monitored closely to ensure that in the drive to empower local authorities we do not make it even more difficult to deliver the infrastructure that all parties have agreed we so urgently need if we are to create jobs, raise skills and generate growth.”
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Media contacts
For further information: Emily Beadon, ICE Media Manager, 0207 665 2261 or emily.beadon@ice.org.uk
Notes to editors
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is a leading source of professional expertise in transport, water supply and treatment, flood management, waste and energy. Established in 1818, it has over 80,000 members throughout the world including over 60,000 in the UK. ICE’s vision is to place civil engineering the heart of society, delivering sustainable development through knowledge, skills and professional expertise. The ICE has long worked with the government of the day to help it to achieve its objectives, and has worked with industry to ensure that construction and civil engineering remain major contributors to the UK economy.