Coastal communities across England stand to benefit from
proposals set out yesterday (Wednesday 4 June) which will better
support ports to deliver important national infrastructure more
quickly, helping to boost local economies and jobs.
The proposals aim to streamline the planning process for ports in
England and expedite planning applications by more clearly
outlining the existing needs for port facilities and how to
design applications to meet the latest requirements to avoid
process delays.
For instance, updated proposals will more clearly outline how
ports can meet obligations on noise and emissions, increasing the
likelihood of achieving successful planning approvals and saving
time and money during the planning process. Greater clarity,
fewer delays and reduced costs will give ports the confidence
they need to expand, creating more local, skilled jobs and
driving money back into communities.
The plans tie in with wider reforms, including the Planning &
Infrastructure Bill, and will see ports going further and faster
with commercial projects, helping to secure millions of pounds in
investment and supporting jobs across the country.
By enabling ports to go further and faster with their
infrastructure projects, the UK aims to build on the levels of
investment already flowing into ports.
Just last month, it was announced that £35m is being driven into
the Port of Liverpool to develop a new deep-water terminal,
whilst just under £1bn is being invested in the Port of Tyne to
develop state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Revisions to the National Policy Statement for Ports (NPS) will
also see planning decisions judged, and approved, against the
need to kickstart economic growth and cement the UK as a clean
energy superpower.
Maritime Minister, said:
“Ports are the lifeblood of the UK economy, keeping the country
moving and trading, and are vital in unlocking prosperity and
opportunity for our coastal communities.
“We are determined to deliver the projects that will make a real
difference to local people, turbocharge economic growth and
create jobs as part of our Plan for Change.”
The proposals have been published alongside the UK's port freight
demand forecasts, which show an expected rise in UK port freight
tonnage overall, particularly of roll on-roll off cargo such as
such as cars, buses, trailers etc, as well as containers and dry
bulks.
Taking these forecasts into account, the revisions will help
secure the long-term future of ports, ensuring they are equipped
to handle growing trade demands, and to best meet the needs of
the country in terms of the movements of goods and people.
Richard Ballantyne OBE, Chief Executive of the British
Ports Association, said:
“The ports industry is optimistic about its long term future,
with significant growth expected in trade volumes and other
sectors such as offshore wind. A refreshed ports policy statement
is welcome recognition from Government of the value of port
development and expansion to the UK's future prosperity. We hope
it will speed up planning processes, delivering on shared
industry and government economic growth ambitions.”
, Chief Executive of UK Major
Ports Group, said:
“Ports are central to delivering the Government's ambitions on
economic growth and clean energy, and the draft National Policy
Statement rightly recognises the vital role our sector plays
across the UK — alongside the need to unlock its full potential
by speeding up consents for sustainable port development. With
the right policy frameworks, major ports can double the levels of
private investment - going further and faster - opportunity for
coastal communities nationwide.”
Matt Beeton, Chief Executive of the Port of Tyne,
said:
“Growth at our ports is vital to the UK
economy. The Government's modernisation agenda will reset
the maritime sector, attract significant investment, ensure our
ports are fit for the future and boost
generational employment opportunities.”
Claudio Veritiero, CEO of Peel Ports Group,
said:
“Ports are the unsung heroes of the UK economy, and this is an
extremely encouraging development. We have invested more
than £1bn in the last decade and intend to exceed that level of
investment in coming years. We want to be able to invest for the
future, creating jobs and opportunities right across the country
and anything that streamlines that process and allows us to
create conditions for economic growth is to be welcomed."
Professor Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE, Chief Executive of
Maritime UK, said:
“We welcome this announcement, which will provide valuable
support for our coastal communities. These regions represent a
significant opportunity for economic growth and job creation,
vital for strengthening our proud maritime nation. We appreciate
the Government's continued commitment to the maritime sector, and
this announcement highlights just that.”
Industry and the wider public is now invited to give its views on
the proposals as part of a consultation on the NPS.
This is part of the Government's determination to go lockstep
with the sector, to ensure prosperity for industry as well as for
people across the UK.
Notes to editors
- The consultation on the amended National Policy Statement for
Ports will run from 4 June to 29 July.
- The Transport Select Committee will begin scrutiny of the
amended NPS in parallel with the consultation.
