The Conservatives’ plan to abolish the Infrastructure Planning Commission has raised concern among the business community.
Under a Tory Government, decisions on major national infrastructure projects would be taken by ministers, rather than the IPC - an unelected quango set up under the Planning Act 2008.
But Neil Bentley, director of business environment at the CBI, said the prospect of another new planning regime ‘could prevent investment decisions being made’.
He told the FT newspaper: ‘The main thing we need is certainty in policy.’
A spokesperson for the Conservatives said national policy statements would remain under the Tories, but they would be ratified by Parliament instead of the IPC.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
