The move, which would take years off the planning process, is loosely modelled on a Canadian scheme developed by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Ministers are exploring using the powers of parliament to cut the time it takes to approve new railways, power stations and other infrastructure projects.
To promote growth, the government is examining whether it could pass legislation that would allow transport, energy and new town housing projects to circumvent swathes of the planning process.
In a report published on Monday it suggests that if implemented quickly it could be possible to build a modified third runway at Heathrow before the next election.
Reeves announced £113 billion of new capital investment over the next five years at the spending review but there is concern in Whitehall that without fundamental change many projects may not be under way by 2029.
The move could limit the ability of opponents to challenge projects in the courts and reduce scrutiny of some developments. It is loosely modelled on a Canadian scheme that was the brainchild of Mark Carney, the new prime minister and a former governor of the Bank of England.
The One Canadian Economy Act was passed by Canada’s parliament in June and gives Carney’s government powers to fast-track national projects. The Treasury is understood to be examining how a UK version could speed up the approval process for nationally significant infrastructure projects, such as offshore wind farms or even a third runway at Heathrow.
At present, projects are judged against national policy statements that set out government priorities for infrastructure spending. Individual projects are then assessed by the Planning Inspectorate in what can be a long process.
Under proposals put forward by a pro-Labour think tank and being discussed by ministers, parliament would be explicitly asked to use legislation to approve certain types of projects. This would limit the ability of opponents to use the court system to block or delay developments as parliament is sovereign and avenues for legal challenge would be reduced.
This would also specifically give powers to ministers to fast-track the detailed consideration of projects, taking years off the planning process.
Piece from Oliver Wright, Times Newspaper.
