The UK Government has proposed streamlining the planning process for ports in England to speed up infrastructure delivery and support economic growth in coastal communities
Set out in June 2025, the proposals are designed to expedite planning applications by providing clearer guidance on the needs for port facilities and how to meet the latest requirements, such as obligations on noise and emissions.
The Government states that these changes will reduce delays and costs, giving ports greater confidence to expand, create skilled local jobs, and drive investment into coastal areas.
The reforms are closely linked to the wider Planning and Infrastructure Bill and are intended to help ports move “further and faster” with commercial projects, securing millions of pounds in investment and supporting jobs across the country.
Recent investments include £35 million ($47.3 million) for a new deep-water terminal at the Port of Liverpool and nearly £1 billion ($1.3 billion) at the Port of Tyne for the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure.
READ: Port of Tyne launches green shipping corridor
Revisions to the National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP) will reportedly ensure that planning decisions are made with a focus on driving economic growth and supporting the UK’s ambitions to become a clean energy superpower.
The proposals are published alongside new port freight demand forecasts, which predict a rise in UK port freight tonnage, particularly in roll-on-roll-off cargo and containers.
Maritime Minister Mike Kane commented: “Ports are the lifeblood of the UK economy, keeping the country moving and trading, and are vital in unlocking prosperity and opportunity for our coastal communities.
“We are determined to deliver the projects that will make a real difference to local people, turbocharge economic growth and create jobs as part of our Plan for Change.”
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Industry leaders have welcomed the announcement. Richard Ballantyne OBE, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, said the refreshed policy statement is “welcome recognition from government of the value of port development and expansion to the UK’s future prosperity.” Geraint Evans, Chief Executive of UK Major Ports Group, added that the draft statement “rightly recognises the vital role our sector plays across the UK – alongside the need to unlock its full potential by speeding up consents for sustainable port development.”
The Government has launched a public consultation on the draft revised NPSP, which will remain open until 29 July 2025. The consultation invites feedback from industry and the public as part of ongoing efforts to support prosperity for both the sector and communities across the UK.
For insight into the UK’s maritime sector, the Environmental Audit Committee published a detailed report on ‘net zero and UK shipping’ last year, recommending an updated Clean Maritime Plan and clearer targets for the sector.
