ABSTRACT
The process of consulting on nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) differs considerably from both Localism's bottom-up approach and the standard planning application process. The definition of an NSIP is set out in the 2008 Planning Act: essentially an NSIP is an infrastructure development above a specific threshold which is identified as being of national importance. The specific procedures for NSIPs were set out in the Planning Act, which also introduced an Infrastructure Planning Commission. The Statement of Community Consultation is a comprehensive document produced by the developer which sets out the proposed consultation strategy and tactics. NSIP consultations may differ from other consultations in their very rigid approach, which can provide less opportunity to adapt to changing stakeholder demands and less opportunity for creativity. Local authority planning and consultation teams are advised to develop communications strategies in relation to the proposed development.
