Flexibility in nationally significant infrastructure planning in England: An implementation perspective on an ongoing planning dilemma

Hickman, Hannah; McClymont, Katie; While, Aidan

Abstract

Debates about flexibility in the granting of planning permission have a long history. Increased flexibility is often associated with pro-development planning and reduced control. However, flexibility can help to achieve enhanced planning outcomes and is sometimes necessary in managing uncertainty and complexity as development is built out.

This paper explores this ‘flexibility dilemma’ within the English Nationally Significant Infrastructure Planning regime (NSIP) that was introduced in 2008 to fast-track the delivery of major infrastructure projects. Drawing on rigorous extensive and intensive primary research spanning consent and delivery, the study explores how government and developers have negotiated tensions around flexibility and certainty and the consequences for effective project delivery. In particular, the paper seeks to understand why opportunities have been limited for deviation and change post-consent when the NSIP regime is often seen as a pro- development reform.

Focusing on the under-researched area of post-consent planning – and by researching across consent and implementation - this paper makes a distinctive and original contribution to international planning research. The application of a ‘post-consent perspective’ reframes the question of where and why flexibility might be needed and offers a more nuanced perspective on the flexibility dilemma in planning.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 14, 2025
• Deposit Date: Feb 17, 2025
• Print ISSN: 0251-3625
• Electronic ISSN: 2166-8604
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Planning, Infrastructure, Flexibility, Certainty
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13763158