The Transport Committee has launched a new inquiry into the Government’s proposals to update planning regulations that will be used to decide major developments at ports.

The National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP) provides guidance to applicants in preparing planning applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects relating to ports.

Such projects require Development Consent Orders (DCO) which are decided on by the Transport Secretary. The NPSP also provides a framework that the Secretary of State must refer to when deciding whether to award a DCO to an application, or to reject.

The NPSP was first published in 2012; this is the first time updates to it have been proposed.

Transport Committee Chair Ruth Cadbury MP said:

“Industries of all kinds rely on the smooth and efficient movement of freight in and out of our country’s ports.

“We’re pleased that the Government is taking a fresh look at these important planning regulations, for the first time in 13 years, to make sure they reflect the changing world we live in.

“The new NPSP will need to help both industry and the Government find a balance between building extra capacity, enabling the use of cleaner fuels and protecting the environment. We must also avoid creating unnecessary burdens, nor undermine Britain’s strong position in a highly competitive, globalised sector.

“We now invite written evidence from experts in the maritime sector and infrastructure planning to help us scrutinise the new NPSP.”

Call for evidence and terms of reference

The Committee welcomes written evidence that addresses the following terms of reference by Monday 1 August 2025. Visit the Committee’s website to submit evidence.

• Does the proposed revised Ports National Policy Statement provide clear guidance to the ports sector and appropriate support for growth in the sector?
• Whether and in what ways the proposed revised NPSP is likely to be more effective than the current version, and whether any opportunities to further improve its effectiveness have been missed?
• Do you agree with the conclusion of the Appraisal of sustainability that there are not likely to be any significant effects from the proposed revised NPSP, and that there is the potential for long-term minor positive effects in some areas?
• Does the proposed revised NPSP appropriately balance the objectives of:
• Support for local communities;
• Protection of the natural environment and biodiversity;
• Ability for the ports sector to expand, develop and contribute to economic growth;
• Decarbonisation and improved environmental performance of the maritime sector;
• Strengthening the resilience of freight transport?
• Does the proposed revised NPSP give enough clarity on how land can be used, and does it align with the National Planning Policy Framework?
• How effectively does the proposed revised NPSP interact with energy infrastructure National Policy Statements? Will it support development of offshore renewable energy and sustainable energy supply at ports?
• How effectively does the proposed revised NPSP interact with the NPS for National Networks and other transport policies, and how should it align with the forthcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy?
• Does the proposed revised National Policy Statement satisfy the Secretary of State’s duties under the Planning Act 2008, particularly those under section 10 relating to having regard to climate change and good design?
• How robust are the Government’s port freight demand forecasts, and have their implications been reflected adequately in the proposed revised NPSP?

Source: UK Transport Committee