Chapter 8The Planning System
R24On Track

Improving the application of Critical National Priority (CNP)

Improve CNP application

Full Recommendation Text

The CNP (as contained in EN-1 and draft EN-7) should be updated by DESNZ to strengthen the policy presumption by removing the words "in general", and "it is likely" and replacing the words "as a starting point" with stronger language which reflects the need for new low-carbon infrastructure.

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government should update the NPPF to contain the same CNP presumption. In due course, the Government should issue a statutory National Development Management Policy for low carbon infrastructure, including for nuclear development below 50 MWe and non-generating supporting infrastructure which contains the same CNP, and policy tests contained in EN-7.

Update Timeline

No updates recorded yet.

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Ownership

Primary Owner

DESNZ

Key Regulators

Planning Inspectorate
Delivery Timeline
210 days
30 Jun 26

Original target: June 2026

Scope

Sectors

civil

Domains

planningpolicy
Implementation Type
guidancepolicy

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