Rob Mallows
Lower Thames Crossing decision “excellent news” for connectivity
The government has announced that a development consent order for the Lower Thames Crossing project has been approved by the Secretary of State for Transport. The 14.5 mile long route will connect the A2/M2 in Kent to the A13/M25 in Essex, and include the UK’s longest road tunnel, when built. In response, Sir John Armitt,...
Armitt: Heathrow incident highlights need for resilience stress testing
Heathrow Airport has been closed all day today (Friday 21 March) by its operator due to a significant fire in a nearby electrical substation which supplies the airport with power. In response, National Infrastructure Commission Chair Sir John Armitt said: “Today’s incident highlights the need for infrastructure operators to be fully prepared for dealing with...
Armitt: New Planning & Infrastructure Bill “covers all the bases”
The Commission has welcomed the publication today (11 March) of details of the government’s Planning & Infrastructure Bill, which has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill sets out a range of measures designed to deliver the government’s programme of housebuilding and infrastructure reforms through reforming the operation of the planning system, many of which reflect...
Armitt: CCC advice shows “clear path” to future decarbonised UK
The Climate Change Committee has today published its advice to government on the next steps to achieving a decarbonised UK by 2050, and it aligns closely with recommendations on the electrification of heating and transport which the Commission made in its own recommendations to government in the second National Infrastructure Assessment. In its evidence setting...
Invest in electricity distribution networks to maximise consumer benefits of net zero energy shift
A “step change” in investment in Great Britain’s local electricity networks is essential to achieve the government’s growth mission and lower long term energy costs for consumers, according to the government’s independent infrastructure advisor. The National Infrastructure Commission’s new report Electricity distribution networks: Creating capacity for the future says that with demand for electricity set...
Telling the story of connectivity through the data
During my masters at the University of Leeds, I lived very close to the buildings where my classes were held. I never used to think about public transport as I used to walk everywhere. But this all changed when I moved to another area for work. I checked transport links to my workplace before moving,...
Prescot: Chancellor’s speech gives welcome “green light” to OxCam Arc infrastructure upgrades
The Commission has welcomed the speech this morning by the Chancellor, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, setting out the government’s plans for growth. In it she set out new details on its plans to invest in and deliver new infrastructure projects in support of this goal, including outlining new plans for the development of...
Government update on plans to tackle planning delays “welcome and timely”
The government has published over the weekend (26 January) more details of its programme of planning reforms, as part of its Plan for Change to deliver long term growth. The update provides more details of the reforms in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill designed to speed up the approval of major infrastructure projects. A Planning...
Ferry ‘cross the Mersey to see Liverpool’s infrastructure priorities firsthand
Our Chair Sir John Armitt, Commissioner Michele Dix and members of the Commission’s secretariat spent Thursday (24 January) in Liverpool to hear from City Region Combined Authority officials and regional stakeholders about the region’s infrastructure priorities and growth ambitions – with one of the city’s famous ferries providing a vantage point from which to get...
James Heath stepping down as Commission CEO
The National Infrastructure Commission’s Chief Executive, James Heath, is stepping down in March 2025 after nearly five years in post. During this time, James has worked with Commissioners to shape strategy and policy across the UK’s economic infrastructure sectors, culminating in the second National Infrastructure Assessment. On behalf of the Commissioners, NIC Chairman Sir John...
Jim Hall: new picture on flood risk shows need for concerted action
The Environment Agency has today (17 December) published details of its National Assessment of Flood and Coastal Erosion risk in England. This makes use of improved national flood risk assessment (NaFRA2) data that shows, among other things, that 6.3m homes are in areas at risk of river, sea or surface water flooding, of which around...
Clean Power 2030 Action Plan “welcome step forward” on energy decarbonisation
The government has this morning (Friday 13 December) published its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which forms part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. The plan sets outs the steps which government will take to move the UK to fully renewable electricity generation, including further steps on speeding up the planning process for major...
Planning changes can support renewables expansion
The government has today announced changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the over-arching policies which outline the government’s priorities for the planning system in England. Though largely focused on changes to support the government’s housing goals, the framework also includes new guidance relating to the planning system for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs),...
Sir John Armitt: PM’s plan for 150 infrastructure DCOs “a huge undertaking”
In a speech this morning, the Prime Minister has set out a number of milestones which the government aims to fulfil over this Parliament on housing, the NHS, policing, clean power and other policy areas. This includes a specific pledge to approve planning decisions on at least 150 major infrastructure projects (through the granting of...
Ensuring everyone has a stake in our future infrastructure
Infrastructure makes our society function effectively. Our roads, railways and buses enable people to get around for work or leisure and connect businesses with their customers. Our energy infrastructure powers homes. Broadband fibre and mobile networks bring the online world to us instantly. As government’s independent adviser on long term infrastructure planning, the Commission has...