UK parliament to get powers to deem clean energy projects critical

(Alliance News) - UK parliament will get powers to approve critical energy projects and limit judicial reviews that can hold them up under reforms to be announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The changes would allow Parliament to apply a designation of critical national importance to the most important clean energy projects, such as new power stations and offshore wind farms.

This would reduce the potential grounds for judicial review.

For all other nationally significant infrastructure, including transport and water projects, the government will introduce a fixed legal challenge window, at the end of which the planning consent could be updated to address any legitimate issues.

A policy note is being published on Wednesday on the changes, which aim to shore up energy security and drive down bills.

A Treasury spokesperson said: "For too long, vital infrastructure delivery has been delayed by judicial reviews of projects the country needs.

"The chancellor won't stand for it any longer and is bringing forward bold changes to support delivery.

"She is clear that Parliament must take back control, to get Britain building the power plants, wind farms and grid connections that will bring bills down, strengthen our energy security, and deliver growth in every part of our country."

By Helen Corbett, Press Association Political Correspondent

Press Association: News

source: PA

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