LATEST INFRASTRUCTURE NEWS

100TH NSIP PROJECT DECISION DETERMINED

On 19th January 2021, the 100th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projected was determined following its examination by the Planning Inspectorate – The A1 Birtley to Coalhouse Improvement Scheme.

Despite the ongoing challenges of Covid-19, examination hearings were completed virtually and on schedule. Applications for projects which are deemed to be of national significance are made in accordance with the Planning Act 2008. Prior to the inception of the Act, major planning applications could take years to decide; decision-making has now been streamlined and there is more certainty on decision timescales for developers and communities alike.

Of the 100 projects determined thus far, 61 were energy, 36 transport, 2 waste and 1 waste water developments. There are further projects in the development pipeline, with 63 NSIPs at the Pre-Application stage.

INVESTIGATIONS COMMENCE FOR THE PROPOSED M54 TO M6 LINK

Whilst the Planning Inspectorate examines the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the M54 to M6 link road, archaeological surveys and ground investigation works have recently commenced. 

Spanning eight weeks, the programme will provide design data for the construction of a new link road between Junction 1 of the M54 and Junction 11 of the M6, as well upgrading existing junctions.

With local roads such as the A460, A449 and A5 all experiencing high volumes of traffic, construction of the new link road will provide additional capacity and relieve congestion, as well as assisting local economic growth.  

Subject to the DCO process running to schedule and Highways England being granted the necessary permissions, construction could commence in 2022. Scheme costs are estimated to be between £175M and £200m.

BIRMINGHAM’S SMITHFIELD CONTRACT GETS CABINET APPROVAL 

Cabinet has approved the joint venture between Birmingham City Council and Lendlease Europe for the new £1.9bn Birmingham Smithfield development in the city centre. 

The 14-acre scheme will incorporate the city’s Bull Ring Markets, leisure and cultural facilities, a new public square, public transport provision, and 2,000 homes.

Preparation of a planning application will begin once the contract is finalised, which will give the public a chance to feed back on the plans.

PLANNING APPLICATION SUBMITTED FOR NEW RAILWAY STATION BETWEEN CARDIFF AND NEWPORT

Plans for a major development at St Mellons have been submitted to Cardiff Council by Arup. Branded Hendre Lakes, the 160-acre site will include a new mainline train station and a business district which could create up to 5,000 jobs.

It is expected that the new £120m Cardiff Parkway will welcome in excess of 800,000 passengers and provide regular links to Bristol and London. As well as providing fast connections to Newport, train journeys into Cardiff city centre will take approximately seven minutes.

The project aims to satisfy green credentials by relieving a significant amount of road congestion, benefitting from walking routes and cycle paths, as well being integrated with South Wales Metro. In addition, a significant proportion of the development will be reserved for green space.

Having been in pre-planning consultation with Cardiff Council and Natural Resources Wales for two years, the general public can now comment on the plans on the council’s website, with works potentially commencing later this year if approved.

LEEDS SITE IDENTIFIED FOR NPR AND HS2 INTEGRATION

HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson has taken steps to support the proposed integration of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) by including a site to the east of Leeds in additional safeguarding directions.

By protecting the site, conflicting development can now be prevented, which could otherwise disrupt the construction of HS2 and lead to increased costs of building the railway.

The government’s integrated rail plan is due to be published later this year and will reveal the final design of the HS2 Phase 2b Eastern Leg and its integration with Northern Powerhouse Rail.

BLACKPOOL COUNCIL TAKES STEPS TO PROGRESS £300M LEISURE SCHEME

In order to facilitate the development of a new entertainment complex, Blackpool Council is preparing to implement compulsory purchase powers to acquire 10 acres of land off Central Drive. The land to be acquired will house the majority of the scheme and is bounded to the north by New Bonny Street, to the west by Bonny Street, the south by Chapel Street, and the east by Central Drive.

In 2020, Blackpool Council signed an exclusivity agreement with Nikal and Media Invest Entertainment to redevelop the site into a £300m leisure venue featuring the UK’s first “flying theatre.” Plans indicate that the development would also include other visitor facilities including two hotels offering 400 bedrooms, apartments and a multi-story car park.

Although the council has indicated that it has been in negotiations with various parties who have interests in the land, it has not been possible to acquire all of the interests. Given that comprehensive redevelopment will not be able to be completed within a reasonable timeframe, the council is satisfied that there is now a compelling case to exercise powers.