Infrastructure Planning Commission
Encyclopedia
The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) began operating on 1 October 2009 as the examining and in certain circumstances the decision making body for proposed nationally significant infrastructure projects
(NSIPs) in England and Wales
. The IPC, which is a non-departmental public body, was established by the Planning Act 2008 (the 2008 Act).
The IPC examines accepted applications for development consent for proposed projects that meet certain thresholds, as set out in Part 3 of the 2008 Act. In England, its remit covers applications for proposed energy, transport, water, waste water and waste infrastructure projects. Its remit in Wales only covers proposed energy and harbour projects. The water and waste provisions of the 2008 Act are not yet in force.
The framework for decision-making of applications for development consent is set out in National Policy Statements (NPS). Following the designation of a NPS, the 2008 Act provides jurisdiction for the IPC to decide applications in that field. While an NPS is in draft form, the IPC acts as Examining authority and provides a report of recommendation to the relevant Secretary of State who takes the decision.
The IPC’s powers to receive, accept and examine applications for development consent came into force on 1 March 2010; prior to this it provided advice and guidance about the application process.
The Chair of the IPC is Sir Michael Pitt and the chief executive is John Saunders
.
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Nationally significant infrastructure projects
Nationally significant infrastructure projects are major infrastructure developments in England and Wales, such as proposals for power plants, large renewable energy projects, new airports and airport extensions, major road projects etc....
(NSIPs) in England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales is a jurisdiction within the United Kingdom. It consists of England and Wales, two of the four countries of the United Kingdom...
. The IPC, which is a non-departmental public body, was established by the Planning Act 2008 (the 2008 Act).
The IPC examines accepted applications for development consent for proposed projects that meet certain thresholds, as set out in Part 3 of the 2008 Act. In England, its remit covers applications for proposed energy, transport, water, waste water and waste infrastructure projects. Its remit in Wales only covers proposed energy and harbour projects. The water and waste provisions of the 2008 Act are not yet in force.
The framework for decision-making of applications for development consent is set out in National Policy Statements (NPS). Following the designation of a NPS, the 2008 Act provides jurisdiction for the IPC to decide applications in that field. While an NPS is in draft form, the IPC acts as Examining authority and provides a report of recommendation to the relevant Secretary of State who takes the decision.
The IPC’s powers to receive, accept and examine applications for development consent came into force on 1 March 2010; prior to this it provided advice and guidance about the application process.
The Chair of the IPC is Sir Michael Pitt and the chief executive is John Saunders
John Saunders
John Saunders is a Canadian–American sports journalist from Toronto, Ontario. He is currently working for ESPN and ABC.-Early life and career:...
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Future of the IPC
The Coalition Government's Localism Act 2011 contained clauses to abolish the IPC and transfer its decision making powers in all cases to the relevant Secretary of State. The Bill gained royal assent on 15 November 2011. It is proposed that the acceptance and examination of applications for development consent will from April 2012 be dealt with by a new unit within the Planning InspectoratePlanning Inspectorate
The Planning Inspectorate for England and Wales is an executive agency of the Department for Communities and Local Government of the United Kingdom Government. It is responsible for determining final outcomes of planning and enforcement appeals and public examination of local development plans...
.