Relaxation of Environmental Permitting System
The government has exempted site investigation work from green rules, aiming to speed up construction of new housing and key infrastructure by cutting red tape.
This move is expected to save builders up to 16 weeks of waiting time, allowing them to move forward with projects, conduct site investigations, and install drainage channels without being held up by permit approvals.
- Site investigations and drainage channel installations will no longer require environmental permits.
- Projects like solar and onshore windfarms may not need environmental permits if certain conditions are met.
The Environment Agency will consider which activities should be exempt from requiring an environmental permit, making the regime quicker and more flexible.
Author's summary: Government relaxes environmental rules to speed up construction.