Ministers take over planning approvals

Local Government Minister Greg Clark will abolish the Infrastructure Planning Commission m(IPC), the quango set up by Labour to fast-track such applications.

Amid concern the IPC lacked accountability, Ministers will instead be allowed to approve projects vital to the country's economy – such as major transport schemes, offshore wind farms and power stations.

Instead, a major infrastructure planning unit will be set up inside Government to consider applications and advise Ministers.

Mr Clark said: "New infrastructure is critical to the country's return to economic growth and we believe we must have a fast track system for major projects – but it must be accountable.

"The previous system lacked any democratic legitimacy."