Planning reform to speed up EV charging installation

The Government has today (11 March) introduced the Planning & Infrastructure Bill to Parliament, marking a significant step towards streamlining the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging points. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to remove obstacles to housebuilding and vital infrastructure projects, fostering economic growth and development across the UK.

The Bill aims to accelerate planning decisions, facilitating the construction of new homes, roads, railway lines, and wind farms while enhancing energy security and environmental sustainability. By cutting through red tape and simplifying the process, the Government hopes to stimulate a surge in construction projects, unlocking billions in economic value and generating tens of thousands of new jobs.

As part of this transformative reform, the Bill will also expedite the installation of EV charging points, addressing one of the key concerns hindering the adoption of electric vehicles. Research from Close Brothers Motor Finance indicates that 28% of EV drivers find the lack of charging infrastructure a significant challenge. By streamlining the approval and installation process, the Government aims to make EV ownership more convenient and attractive, supporting the national push towards net-zero emissions.

“The Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill sets out plans to streamline the installation process of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This is a step in the right direction to encourage a shift towards EVs, which is key to meeting the Government’s own net zero ambitions.”

However, Cassidy also highlighted concerns regarding the lack of financial incentives for EV buyers that are “a major hurdle to EV adoption”. He warned that the upcoming removal of EV exemptions from Vehicle Excise Duty and the Expensive Car Supplement could counteract the Government’s efforts by making EV ownership more costly and less attractive to prospective buyers.

In addition to boosting EV infrastructure, the Bill introduces measures to ensure that those living near new electricity transmission infrastructure will receive up to £2,500 over ten years off their energy bills. This initiative seeks to fairly compensate residents while supporting the rapid expansion of the UK’s clean energy capacity.

The Planning & Infrastructure Bill complements the Government’s wider planning reforms, including the National Planning Policy Framework. These measures are integral to delivering 1.5 million new homes and 150 major infrastructure projects, ensuring Britain remains competitive and attractive for investment while enhancing living standards across the country.

The series of targeted reforms being delivered through the Bill are aimed at accelerating growth and speeding up the Government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.

As the Bill progresses through Parliament, its impact on planning efficiency, infrastructure growth, and the transition to clean energy will be closely monitored. While the move to streamline EV charging infrastructure is widely welcomed, industry experts continue to call for additional measures to incentivise EV adoption and make sustainable transport more accessible to consumers.