Developers on Cornwall scheme to work with single lead body rather than overlapping regulators
The government has amended the planning process to accelerate the redevelopment of Falmouth Docks.
The developers behind the infrastructure scheme, APCL A&P Falmouth, will now work with a single, lead environmental body, rather than a number of overlapping regulators.
The Marine Management Organisation will take the helm as Lead Environmental Regulator, working with Natural England and the Environment Agency to provide coherent advice.
According to the government, this will prevent delays and reduce unnecessary costs.
The planned £150m overhaul of the Cornish port will see critical dock structures repaired to accommodate larger vessels, enabling a larger number of cruise visitors.
Environment secretary Emma Reynolds said: “Communities across the country have been let down by a bureaucratic planning system that chokes enterprise, does little for nature and leaves hardworking people waiting for the jobs and investment they deserve.
“Having one clear regulator in charge speeds up approvals and helps projects like Falmouth Docks to progress at pace, without compromising our ironclad commitment to the environment.”
The lead regulator model is increasingly being adopted by the Labour government as it seeks to drive new infrastructure delivery. It began piloting the model earlier this year with the Lower Thames Crossing scheme.
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