[In relation to this item, Councillor Heron declared a personal interest as a planning consultant, who does not work on NSIPS]
Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment regarding Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPS) and Development Consent Orders.
With the agreement of the Chairman, Councillor Porter addressed Cabinet, highlighting concerns on a number of practical areas of the process, including the consideration of water quality, cross-authority working and the pressure to meet deadlines.
In introduction to the report, the context and process of NSIPS was set out, it was explained that there were numerous situations where they would be used in Hampshire and it was expected that in the future they would speed up decision making. It was acknowledged that they were resource intensive and therefore the report sought to address how they should be handled going forward through guiding principles.
Cabinet recognised that the report had evolved through previous learning and reflected the County Council’s role of providing technical advice, but needed to be able to cover the cost of doing so. It was noted that although there was greater incentive for applicants anticipating a positive input from the County Council, everyone would benefit from a clear process for timely advice.
The recommendations set out in the report were considered and agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.