NALC calls for a stronger local voice in electricity network reforms

We have urged the government to ensure that local democracy remains central to reforms of the UK’s electricity network infrastructure.

Responding to the government’s consultation on land rights and consents processes, we welcomed planning changes that strengthen the democratic voice and lead to better-quality, appropriately sited developments, but oppose measures that undermine these goals.

We stressed our commitment to tackling the climate emergency, highlighting that it has long supported policies that mitigate environmental impacts, which include requiring local plans and large-scale developments to undergo environmental appraisals, backing energy-efficient homes, and increasing tree planting.

However, we pushed back against proposals to extend permitted development rights (PDRs) across the board, warning that such powers should remain with local planning authorities or neighbourhood planning groups.

Our response makes clear that while we support urgent action to decarbonise and modernise the grid, this must not come at the expense of democratic accountability. We reaffirmed that a robust planning system, balancing social, economic, and environmental sustainability, remains the best tool for allocating land fairly and effectively.