The Government has just announced that Environment Secretary Steve Reed will now personally oversee more than 50 key infrastructure projects throughout the UK, including the Heathrow expansion and the Lower Thames Crossing. A brand-new board will monitor these developments closely to prevent delays and rising costs.
To support this, £500m has been earmarked to boost planning capacity. Natural England will serve as the main contact point across agencies, hoping to streamline approvals. Whilst the move aims to cut red tape, environmental groups have raised concerns that it may weaken protections for wildlife.