New framework to ensure road and rail development projects meet environmental targets

The government has launched a consultation on its revised national networks national policy statement (NNNPS), newly updated with measures to protect the environment from new major road, rail, and rail freight schemes.

The framework has been updated to reflect legislation set out in the Environment Act, which requires developers to show how they meet environmental targets, consider biodiversity net gains and the impact of their proposals on carbon emissions.

Transport Minister Richard Holden said, “Transport has a vital role to play in levelling up our country, connecting people with good jobs and education opportunities across our cities, town and villages and in growing the economy.

“This new framework is part of our mission to build a more sustainable transport system which protects our wonderful English countryside and wildlife while delivering opportunity by levelling up our transport network across the country.

“The updated framework supports plans recently set out by the government to ensure the planning system can speed up the delivery of major infrastructure by making the system greener, faster and more resilient.”

The consultation will run until 6 June 2023.