Overview

• Reservoirs built by companies outside the water sector would be designated nationally significant infrastructure to speed delivery and bolster water security.
• Proposed powers would let ministers prevent councils from refusing major applications while potential call-in decisions are considered.
• Planning permissions on large schemes facing legal challenge could be extended, allowing developers to stop the clock during judicial review.
• The government plans to take powers to resolve Ministry of Defence objections to nearby turbines, with ministers saying a fix could unlock about 3GW of additional onshore wind capacity.
• Amendments are due before the bill’s House of Lords report stage on October 20, as Steve Reed and Rachel Reeves urge the OBR to reflect anticipated building and tax receipts in budget forecasts.