"Achieving the UK’s 2050 net zero goal will require new low carbon energy, transport and built infrastructure while also reducing energy demand. The government has stated delivery of these at the required pace requires addressing planning system delays", we read in a recently published POST note, "Planning for net zero". Dr Ahmed F. Zobaa was one of the contributors.
The report emphasises:
- Infrastructure policies are implemented at various levels, from national projects to local planning decisions, but planning organisations highlight a lack of holistic spatial planning to coordinate these efforts and align them with net zero targets.
- Nationally significant projects, such as large-scale renewable developments, often face delays either before planning applications are submitted or during final approval stages, with community benefits sometimes inadequately addressed.
- The National Energy System Operator has committed to delivering Regional Energy Strategic Plans, which will map out distribution networks and technologies required to achieve net zero across mainland Britain. These will be complemented by Strategic Spatial Energy Planning to identify sites for energy storage and generation infrastructure.
- Local planning processes consider multiple aspects of infrastructure projects, but some stakeholders argue that not all aspects are given equal weight. They advocate for planning reforms to reduce delays and better support the transition to net zero.
Reaf the full POSTnote here: Planning for net zero