Planning for infrastructure

Infrastructure is a broad term which can encompass a wide range of sectors and types of projects, ranging from schools, hospitals, roads and railway lines to wind, waste and water projects, oil and gas facilities, pipelines and processing plants. Infrastructure projects are often high value and complex and the parties will need to understand, and ensure that the contractual arrangements in place provide for the commercial, strategic, technical, geographical and political factors and the associated risks involved. Due to the broad spectrum of issues involved, infrastructure projects will often involve lawyers from a number of practice areas.

This subtopic looks at planning consent for major infrastructure projects under the regime set out in the Planning Act 2008 (PA 2008).

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)

The PA 2008 process was introduced to streamline the decision-making process for NSIPs for transport, energy, water and waste infrastructure, making it fairer and faster for communities and developers alike. NSIPs include:

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electricity generation projects
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overhead electric lines
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underground gas storage
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Liquefied Natural Gas facilities
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gas reception facilities
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gas transporter pipelines
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other pipelines
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highways
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airports
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harbour facilities
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railways

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