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Advice to Pinsent Masons LLP

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Enquiry

From
Pinsent Masons LLP
Date advice given
23 March 2012
Enquiry type
Email

I am carrying out research into Nationally Important Infrastructure Projects.

Please could you assist by explaining why some large scale projects, such as HS2 and Crossrail, receive an Act of Parliament, whilst others, such as power plants, receive planning consent only after having been through the Planning Act procedure?

Advice given

Thank you for your email.

The infrastructure planning regime, set out in the Planning Act 2008, is the mechanism whereby Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects are examined and can achieve consent.

Additionally and separately, Acts of Parliament may change the law, and grant powers to individuals or organisations beyond the existing law.

Parliament may legislate on any matter. Bills can be brought before Parliament which impact upon private interests. In the past, this has included large infrastructure projects. There are many resources which can explain to you in detail how bills are introduced into the legislative programme.

You can find more information about the Infrastructure Planning regime on our website, at:

http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/

More information about the functions of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, including how laws are made, can be found on their website here:

http://www.parliament.uk/about/how/laws/