Government to streamline port planning process
The aim is to make it easier for ports to expand, encouraging economic growth and job opportunities in coastal towns while adding to the country’s green power ambitions.
Exactly how this will be implemented remains vague at the moment, but the focus will be on speeding up the permission process by designing applications to more clearly highlight the need for port facilities, and more clearly outlining how ports can meet noise and emission standards.
By increasing the likelihood of achieving successful planning approval, ports will be able to save time and money.
Revisions to the National Policy Statement for Ports will also look to have planning decisions weighted in favour of the economic benefits – especially where clean energy is concerned.
The government has been clear on its aim to make the UK a green energy ‘superpower’, with investments so far including £1bn at the Port of Tyne to develop necessary infrastructure.
Echoing this, the North East Combined Authority has also made becoming a green energy hotspot a priority, making it one of the pillars of the £14bn investment pipeline recently unveiled and investment in projects such as the £8.5m expansion of Newcastle College’s Energy Academy.
The move links in wider planning reforms from the government, including the Planning & Infrastructure bill.
The proposals have been published as the UK’s port freight demand has been forecasted to see a rise in port freight tonnage overall, and specifically in roll on-roll off cargo such as cars and buses.
These planning revisions will aim to enable ports to keep up with trade demands, and industry is now being invited to give its views on the proposals as part of the NPS consultation process.
Matt Beeton, chief executive of the Port of Tyne, said: “Growth at our ports is vital to the UK economy. The Government’s modernisation agenda will reset the maritime sector, attract significant investment, ensure our ports are fit for the future, and boost generational employment opportunities.”
Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of the British Ports Association, said: “The ports industry is optimistic about its long term future, with significant growth expected in trade volumes and other sectors such as offshore wind.
“A refreshed ports policy statement is welcome recognition from Government of the value of port development and expansion to the UK’s future prosperity.
“We hope it will speed up planning processes, delivering on shared industry and government economic growth ambitions.”
Maritime Minister, Mike Kane said: “Ports are the lifeblood of the UK economy, keeping the country moving and trading, and are vital in unlocking prosperity and opportunity for our coastal communities.
“We are determined to deliver the projects that will make a real difference to local people, turbocharge economic growth, and create jobs as part of our Plan for Change.”
