Section 35: Directions in relation to projects of national significance

Planning Act 2008 · 2008 c. 29View on legislation.gov.uk

Part 4: Requirement for development consent

The Secretary of State may give a direction under subsection (1) only if—

the development is or forms part of—
a project (or proposed project) in the field of energy, transport, water, waste water or waste, or
a business or commercial project (or proposed project) of a prescribed description,
the development will (when completed) be wholly in one or more of the areas specified in subsection (3), and
the Secretary of State thinks the project (or proposed project) is of national significance, either by itself or when considered with—
in a case within paragraph (a)(i), one or more other projects (or proposed projects) in the same field;
in a case within paragraph (a)(ii), one or more other business or commercial projects (or proposed projects) of a description prescribed under paragraph (a)(ii).

The areas are—

England or waters adjacent to England up to the seaward limits of the territorial sea;
in the case of a project for the carrying out of works in the field of energy, a Renewable Energy Zone, except any part of a Renewable Energy Zone in relation to which the Scottish Ministers have functions.

The Secretary of State may give a direction under subsection (1) only with the consent of the Mayor of London if—

all or part of the development is or will be in Greater London, and
the development is or forms part of a business or commercial project (or proposed project) of a description prescribed under subsection (2)(a)(ii).

Regulations under subsection (2)(a)(ii) may not prescribe a description of project which includes the construction of one or more dwellings.

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Reuse reviewed 21 August 2026 under Open Government Licence v3.0.