Update

R31Streamline planning via SDOs
On Track
Government Response: SDO route and PIA direction power confirmed

Nuclear projects can already apply for Special Development Orders. The Planning and Infrastructure Act introduces a new power for NSIP applicants to request a direction out of the NSIP regime for appropriate projects. The Government does not accept automatic consent after eight weeks for local authority applications, but will consult on expanding the consultation direction for refusal notification. The core SDO pathway is available, though the automatic consent backstop the Taskforce recommended has been rejected.

govt_response
Source: Policy PaperDESNZ, March 2026

Impact on Overall Status

Confidence changed to: high
SDO route and PIA direction power available; automatic 8-week consent not accepted.
Recommendation Context
Chapter: Chapter 8: The Planning System
Owner: DESNZ + 2 co-owners
Current Status: On Track
View full recommendation

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Government Response: SDO route and PIA direction power confirmed | R31 | Nuclear Taskforce Tracker