Tens of thousands of people across the UK are set to benefit from cleaner energy, quicker commutes, and more flights as the government fast-tracks decisions on a record number of major infrastructure projects.
In the first year of the new Parliament, the government has approved 21 major infrastructure projects – the highest number ever in a single year. Key projects include the Lower Thames Crossing, Mona Offshore Windfarm, Simister Island development in Manchester, and the expansion of Gatwick Airport.
The benefits of this include:
- Faster commutes: Projects like the Simister Island development will make journeys quicker for over 90,000 people daily.
- Cleaner, cheaper energy: Offshore wind farms such as Mona and Rampion 2 will generate enough electricity to power nearly 3 million homes, securing thousands of skilled jobs and 2.7 GW of clean energy.
- More flights and trade: Gatwick’s expansion and the Lower Thames Crossing will boost connectivity, trade, and tourism, supporting 22,000 jobs and generating £200 million a year in economic benefits.
Steve Reed, Housing Secretary, said:
“We are backing our builders, brickies and businesses to get Britain building.
“We’ve already said yes to major projects that will create more well-paid jobs providing clean power and new roads.
“We will go further to streamline planning rules to speed up new homes, data centres and businesses that will put an affordable home and well-paid job within reach of people in every part of our country.”
The government’s Plan for Change and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill have streamlined the approval process by removing unnecessary pre-application requirements and limiting legal challenges. The target is to reach 150 major planning decisions this Parliament, making Britain a top destination for investment and growth.
Further reforms will accelerate the creation of new towns, speed up brownfield development, and strengthen local planning authorities with £46 million in funding and 300 new planners.
These decisions are driving a boom in skilled clean energy jobs across regions like Sussex, North Wales, and Teesside. They build on the recent £150 billion in US investment, which is creating over 7,600 high-quality jobs and accelerating growth in future-facing sectors.
Image credit: iStock
