On 29 November and 19 January, the House of Commons debated the National Policy Statement for ports which was laid for parliamentary approval on 24 October 2011. In the light of the satisfactory completion of that process it was today designated as a National Policy Statement under the provisions of section 5(1) of the Planning Act 2008.
The Shipping Minister, Mike Penning, stated that "The planning system is a key to the future timely development of the country’s port infrastructure. The designation of this policy statement marks a significant step forward, clarifying what is required to enable the successful major port developments that will be essential for trade and economic growth in the long term."
The document can be downloaded here.
