The British Ports Association, which represents the UK’s vital ports and marine terminals sector, is keen to see improved planning performance following the publication of the very welcome update to the National Policy Statement for Ports.
The National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP), which sets out the planning framework for major port projects in England under the Development Consent Order (DCO) process contains some essential principles for the government, consenting authorities and industry, about growth and investment. The UK ports sector has some exciting development prospects across a range of cargo sectors, green fuels schemes and offshore energy infrastructure, so needs a planning system to match its ambitions.
The NPSP also sets out the government’s acceptance of the “compelling need for substantial additional port capacity over the next 30 years” and alongside this the Department for Transport has published their revised port freight forecasts out to 2050 to evidence this growth.
“The ports industry is optimistic about its long term future, with significant growth expected in trade volumes and other sectors such as offshore wind. A refreshed ports policy statement is welcome recognition from Government of the value of port development and expansion to the UK’s future prosperity. We hope it will speed up planning processes, delivering on shared industry and government economic growth ambitions.”
The NSPS was established under the Planning Act 2008 and first designated in 2012, provides guidance for applicants and the various tier of government in determining applications for DCOs for significant scale port applications. The draft proposals, are subject to consultation until 29 July 2025 and will also undergo parliamentary scrutiny in Westminster.