Breaking the Barrier: UK Government Targets 'Nimby' Legal Delays for Infrastructure Projects
The UK government has announced plans to expedite major infrastructure projects, including nuclear power facilities, railway expansions, and wind farms, by reforming existing legal processes that currently allow opponents to challenge these projects multiple times. PM Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the need to eliminate what he termed ‘Nimby blockers’, who hinder progress through repeated legal challenges. Currently, opponents can contest infrastructure decisions in court up to three times, but under the new proposals, this would be reduced to just one challenge in most cases.
The upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to streamline judicial reviews, which often result in significant delays and increased costs, with some projects experiencing court-related holdups extending years. Labour’s proposed reforms are positioned as critical for revitalizing the UK’s infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and boosting green energy initiatives, with a goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes within five years. Starmer reiterated Labour’s commitment to support builders over blockers, arguing that changes to the planning system are essential for the nation’s progress.
The proposed changes also include abolishing the initial written stage of judicial reviews, meaning all legal challenges must be presented in person. Challenges deemed lacking in merit will not be eligible for further appeal, which supporters claim will discourage frivolous lawsuits. The government reports that over half of nationally significant infrastructure decisions face court challenges, causing average delays of 18 months and costing millions.
The plans follow recommendations from a review by planning lawyer Lord Banner, who highlighted the inefficiencies of the current judicial process. This reform attempt has met with criticism from Tory shadow levelling up secretary Kevin Hollinrake, who argues that Labour’s resistance to cutting red tape from EU regulations could hold back Britain’s potential further.