The Government has produced the National Policy Statement for National Networks and it was ‘designated’ on the 15th January 2015.
National Policy Statements (NPSs) give reasons for the policy set out in the statement, and must include an explanation of how the policy takes account of Government policy relating to the mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change. They include the Government’s objectives for the development of nationally significant infrastructure in a particular sector and state:
How this will contribute to sustainable development.
How these objectives have been integrated with other Government policies.
How actual and projected capacity and demand have been taken into account.
Consider relevant issues in relation to safety or technology.
Circumstances where it would be particularly important to address the adverse impacts of development.
Specific locations, where appropriate, in order to provide a clear framework for investment and planning decisions.
They also include any other policies or circumstances that Ministers consider should be taken into account in decisions on infrastructure development.
NPSs undergo a democratic process of public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny, before being designated (i.e. published). They provide the framework within which Inspectors make their recommendations to the Secretary of State.