It’s all systems go at the 2025 NSIP Forum

The 2025 Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) Forum took place last week, bringing together developers, local government officers, statutory consultees and a huge variety of NSIP specialists to discuss the next era of the NSIP regime.  

Panels and speakers discussed a range of pressing topics, including evolution vs revolution of the regime, the potential for coordination on clusters, and updates to the National Policy Statements.  

Douglus Johnson, Director Advocacy Local, and Leyla Hart-Svensson, Managing Director, Research, also launched the SEC Newgate 2025 NSIP report ‘Energy, everywhere, all at once’, examining how to engage with experienced communities on NSIP projects. The report, published last week, can be read here.  

Throughout the forum calls for proportionality and early engagement echoed strong. With the government expecting to consent double the number of NSIPS in this parliament than have received consent since the Planning Act 2008 became law, this ambition was clearly matched in the room.  

Three standout points included:  

Proportionality and the Planning Inspectorate  

A major theme of the forum was the increasing volume of projects entering the NSIP process and the need for a more proportionate approach to planning. David Price, Head of Infrastructure Service at the Planning Inspectorate emphasised a stronger focus on customers and a focus on its role as a service provider, ensuring that developers, local authorities, and communities experience a clearer, more predictable process. This will require more tailored guidance, clearer expectations, and a pragmatic approach to both large and small developments. 

Clustered development from an LPA’s perspective  

In areas where multiple NSIP projects are coming forward, local authorities face challenges in managing overlapping proposals and a steep increase for resourcing. Justine Foster, Infrastructure Manager at Lincolnshire County Council, knows this better than anyone. Lincolnshire County Council, host to one NSIP in 2021, is now aware of 23 NSIP proposals, with more on the horizon, and many in neighbouring authorities also requiring input.  

The takeaway remains that early and proactive engagement is crucial. Introductory meetings with local authorities and members should take place as early as possible, ideally before pre-application engagement, to allow councils to plan and allocate resources. 

Regular communication throughout the DCO process then helps maintain transparency and allows developers to resolve potential issues early, outside of the examination phase, and ensures that submissions reflect local concerns. 

Opposition groups are taking action – developers need to do the same 

In Doug and Leyla’s presentation, a pressing issue discussed was the rise in coordinated community opposition to large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly solar farms. The new research and report revealed a communications gap shaping public perceptions of energy projects—and the actions communities are taking in response. 

65% of those living within 10 miles of solar NSIPs haven’t seen any information on nearby developments. This gap suggests that traditional consultation strategies may miss key residents who feel affected or have heard about projects through opposition groups. Despite this, 51% of residents are open to participating in consultations, with 58% of those who do receive information about solar projects taking further action. 

As the UK accelerates its transition to clean power, ensuring balanced and informed discussions around clusters of energy infrastructure will be essential. A more strategic approach to public engagement, and one that looks at opportunities for broader industry coordination, will be essential to securing acceptability, and even support, for the energy transition.  

The report ‘Every, Everywhere, All at Once’ published today - is available here. For further information or to request a printed copy, please contact: Douglas Johnson, Director - Planning and Engagement douglas.johnson@secnewgate.co.uk