Following Rachel Reeves’ speech this morning, two partners from national law firm, Freeths, have reacted to her latest plans from a planning and environmental angle.

Alison Ogley, Planning Law Partner, Said:

“The continued commitment from the Chancellor in support of major infrastructure projects is to be welcomed. It will be imperative now to ensure that DEFRA and Steve Read are able to swiftly progress with the proposed amendments to the environmental impact assessment which have been awaited for some time, dating back to the previous Government.

“The Chancellor clearly understands the pressing and critical demand for investment in the UK’s infrastructure and, should the Governments proposals for reform to the national infrastructure planning system be quickly progressed, this will support the realisation of these ambitions. It is useful that the Government appears to understand that development and environmental protections are capable of being mutually consistent. However, much more work is required to ensure that the planning system is geared towards achieving these objectives rather than the present position where increased litigation based on environmental issues is used to delay and frustrate development often inadvertently holding back schemes which could in fact deliver environmental improvements.”

Penny Simpson, Environmental Law Partner, added:

"Rachel Reeves’ “further and faster” commitment today to legislative changes to support development and economic growth is welcomed. Freeths law firm is involved in a number of high-profile cases, including National Significant Infrastructure, where there is a desperate need to unlock significant consenting and delivery problems.  This can and should happen hand in hand with maintaining environment standards. The Government’s announcement today of a strategic system by which offshore windfarm developers can provide environmental compensation measures is an example of a creative solution which should be investigated for potential application on a wider basis.  In making changes the Government should embrace, utilise and protect the incredible work of many natural capital entrepreneurs who already provide ready-made solutions for developers whilst also serving to protect the environment and restore nature – these people are ahead of the game, having already contributed to faster development and nature recovery through the UK’s existing and thriving natural capital economy."