Delays at other stages in the
process
171. While the Major Infrastructure Projects
Consultation Paper concentrates on reducing the time taken up
with what is currently the public inquiry stage of the authorisation
process, we have noted with concern serious delays at other stages.
The Paper itself mentions that by streamlining the preconstruction
phase of a road scheme, and the use of better procurement techniques,
3 to 5 years could be cut off the 10 years it now takes to start
work on such projects.[112]
By comparison with some of the relatively small savings that
can be obtained by improvements to the current inquiry process,
it is clear from the example given that very considerable time
savings can be made by improvements elsewhere. We recommend that
the Government conducts a thorough formal review, and reports
upon both the pre application and post regulatory approval stages
of all aspects of Major Infrastructure Projects.
General conclusions on Major
Infrastructure Projects
172. In combination the recommendations which
we have made relating to national policy statements, Parliamentary
procedures, public inquiries and the decision taking stage, will
bring about the required improvement in procedures while at the
same time providing a fair hearing for affected parties and retaining
public confidence in the inquiry system. Of no less importance
is the need for Ministers not to postpone taking decisions for
political reasons after an Inspector's report has been received.
86 New Parliamentary Procedures for Processing Major
Infrastructure Projects, (MIP paper) DTLR, December 2001,
para 7. Back
87
SI 2002, No.1223 Back
88
DTLR Circular 02/2002. Planning inquiries into major infrastructure
projects: procedures. Para. 5. Back
89
The Rules only apply to planning , listed building and conservation
area consent applications. Back
90
See MIP paper, paras. 1617. Back
91
MIP paper, para 21. Back
92
Q953, Q958. Back
93
Q951. Back
94
Q952. Back
95
In the CBI's response to the DTLR Consultation. Back
96
MIP paper, paras. 2122. Back
97
Q 476vi, p. 65, Q948. Back
98
Q 476vi, p.69, Q958 Back
99
Q952. Back
100
PGP18 appendix 1 Back
101
PGP64 Back
102
Q910 Back
103
QQ960-66. Back
104
See the memorandum of Professor
Grant, PGP64, paras. 2427. Back
105
Joint Committee on Private Bill Procedure, Session 198788,
HC625, paras. 23 and 40. Back
106
MIP paper, Annex A. Back
107
SI 2002, No.1223 Back
108
Environment, Transport and Regional
Affairs Committee, The Planning Inspectorate and Public Inquiries,
HoC, Thirteenth Report, (July 2000), para. 72. Back
109 Q967. Back
110
Town and Country Planning (Inquiries Procedure) (England) Rules
2000. SI 2000/1624. Back
111
MIP Rule 20 (1). Back
112
MIP paper, Annex A. Back