Shapps mulls review of national networks NPS on climate grounds Locked

Speculation grows that the government may review the national networks NPS and reduce the scale its £27bn second road investment strategy (RIS2) on climate grounds ahead of COP26

UK

Government ticks NIC boxes on net zero Locked

The National Infrastructure Commission has published a ten-point plan for achieving carbon net zero in its annual monitoring report

UK

Arup helps HS2 Phase 2a to royal assent Locked

The legislation enabling the construction of the western extension of HS2 required complex and detailed environmental assessments from over 2,000 staff

UK

Amey pioneers low carbon road improvements Locked

Cost savings, reduced disturbance and carbon neutrality were the benefits of an innovative road project in Cumbria

UK

Nuclear and hydrogen ‘low carbon partners’ Locked

Nuclear power could meet a third of the UK’s green hydrogen needs by 2050, according to the Nuclear Industry Council (NIC)

UK

London Plan agreed – but not without recrimination Locked

Disagreements on housing, greenbelt and building heights between the government and the GLA have been resolved and the London Plan can proceed.

UK

Jacobs appointed to get LTC across the line Locked

Jacobs selected to ensure the £8bn Lower Thames Crossing is delivered on time and on budget

UK

Interim CEO of UK’s environmental watchdog appointed Locked

Defra appoints Natalie Prosser as interim CEO of the new Office for Environmental Protection (OEP)

UK

Regulatory professional to set up watchdog Locked

Defra has announced Natalie Prosser as interim CEO of the new Office for Environmental Protection (OEP)

UK

Temple leads on Bow Common Gasworks Locked

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) for a complex brownfield site in the east end of London carried out by Temple Group

UK

Consultancy trio to support Bristol transformation Locked

Arup, Arcadis and Mott MacDonald appointed to assist Bristol in delivering its ambitious One City Plan

UK

Design codes are ‘return to garden cities’ Locked

The adoption of design codes in the planning system will offer great opportunities for consultancies, argues LUC’s Philip Smith

UK

Race to pass Environment Bill ahead of COP26 Locked

IEMA, the EIC and The Aldersgate Group say delayed Environment Bill presents an opportunity to improve it

UK

New leader at Cefas in year of the oceans Locked

Neil Hornby begins tenure as CEO of the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)

UK

Nuclear power vital to achieving net zero says CPS Locked

Only more nuclear capacity will allow the UK to cater for a doubling of electricity demand by 2050, claims conservative think tank

UK

Will Bradwell B use new HPR1000 nuclear reactor? Locked

An Environment Agency consultation on the design of a new pressurised water reactor for potential use at Bradwell B has prompted speculation

UK

Work begins Northampton Gateway interchange Locked

A team including FPCR, RSK, BWB, Vanguardia and RPS worked on the environmental statement for a key midlands infrastructure development

UK

Atkins and the social value challenge Locked

Following radical changes to procurement, Atkins has made a key appointment to lead on its social value strategy in the UK. Is this a sign of things to come?

Europe, Global, UK

Heathrow ruling redraws carbon battleground Locked

Objections to the UK’s National Policy Statements on climate change grounds are unlikely to succeed, argues a legal expert. Objectors are now turning to the NSIP regime and DCOs as the 'theatre of war'

UK

High Court avoids precedent on ‘downstream carbon’ Locked

High Court ruling on Surrey oil well will have implications for the downstream carbon and indirect emissions debate

UK

RPS helps Hornsea Three get green light Locked

Following a lengthy delay, Ørsted’s Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm has been given development consent

UK

Irish Sea tunnel included in ambitious rail plan Locked

The High Speed Rail Group (HSRG) is calling for a rail tunnel to be built beneath the Irish Sea, as part of national transport improvements

UK

Ramboll secures consent for UK’s largest battery Locked

The consultancy provided engineering and environmental services, allowing consent for battery storage at the Gateway Energy Centre

UK

Scottish environmental watchdog moves closer Locked

Environmental Standards Scotland is to begin its work in the summer

UK

Protestors bid to block Stonehenge tunnel Locked

A campaign group will claim in court that permission for the A303 Stonehenge scheme was granted illegally

UK

Carbon capture and hydrogen ‘vital’ to zero carbon Locked

A white paper has laid out the government’s plans for meeting the UK’s future energy needs

UK

Stage set for ‘carbon wars’ in 2021 Locked

The government’s road and energy policies are to be challenged in the High Court next year and battle over Heathrow third runway is set to continue

UK

Key appointments made to HS2 Euston terminus Locked

Noise Consultants and sister company Air Quality Consultants are to provide environmental consultancy for the new HS2 terminus at London Euston

UK

Atkins supports Havant Thicket Reservoir submission Locked

Consultancy and project manager Atkins provided design and planning services for the UK’s first new reservoir for 30 years

UK

Construction ‘mini surge’ cools down Locked

With COVID-19 back, the construction sector is not out of the woods yet and materials shortages are biting hard

UK