NALC urges the government to strengthen local democracy in infrastructure planning reforms

We have called on the government to ensure that reforms to streamline the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) planning process strengthen, not weaken, local democracy and community engagement.

In our response to the government's consultation on streamlining infrastructure planning, we said it would support planning changes that lead to "better quality, appropriately sited developments" and enhance the voice of local people. However, we warned that we would not back reforms that reduce community consultation or undermine democratic accountability.

We stressed that parish and town councils must remain central to engagement on NSIP proposals, as they represent the tier of local government closest to communities most directly affected by significant infrastructure development. We expressed concern that without statutory consultation requirements, developers might engage inconsistently or superficially with parish and town councils, particularly in smaller or less well-resourced areas.

Our response also highlighted serious concerns raised by county associations about the "in isolation" approach to examining NSIP submissions. With multiple large-scale projects concentrated in a small geographic area, we warned of "devastating adverse impacts" on local communities and the environment. We urged the government to instruct the National Energy System Operator (NESO), National Grid, and Ofgem to demonstrate a coordinated, strategic approach to national energy planning that delivers the best environmental and economic outcomes for communities and the country.

We reaffirmed our support for the national transition to renewable energy, including onshore wind and solar generation. We welcomed proposed changes to support green energy development. However, we emphasised that parish and town councils and communities must continue to play a key role in shaping and benefiting from renewable energy projects through neighbourhood plans and community-led initiatives.

Parish and town councils have a vital role in providing local leadership, stewardship of community assets, and democratic representation as major infrastructure and new settlements are developed across England.