Improving the application of Critical National Priority (CNP)
Improve CNP application
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.
Government Response: CNP strengthened in NPS but NPPF weaker
The Critical National Priority has been strengthened in EN-1 and EN-7, which are already in force and broadly in line with the Taskforce's recommendations. However, the NPPF side is materially weaker: the Government offers only "substantial weight" and a "permanent tilt" rather than the full CNP presumption the Taskforce recommended. There is no commitment to a statutory National Development Management Policy for nuclear development below 50 MWe. The Government is responding to the NPPF consultation in Summer 2026, leaving scope for improvement but current commitments fall short.
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Key Regulators
Taskforce target: June 2026
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