EV charging to be prioritized in planning system

author: FutureCar Staff    

The electric vehicle (EV) market received a significant boost from the Autumn Statement, which included £2bn of investment and a commitment to reform the planning system to prioritize the roll-out of charge points.

The Treasury confirmed that it plans to amend the National Planning Policy Framework to ensure that the planning system gives priority to the installation of EV chargepoints, including EV charging hubs.

During a speech in the House of Commons, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also announced a £4.5bn allocation from 2025 for five years to support "strategic manufacturing" sectors, including zero emission vehicles.

Out of this total, £2bn will be made available for the automotive sector to support the manufacturing and development of zero emission vehicles, their batteries, and supply chain.

The aerospace sector will receive £975m to support the development of energy efficient and zero-carbon aircraft technology, while £960m is allocated to green industries to enhance clean energy manufacturing capacity. The remaining £520m is designated for life sciences.

Treasury officials stated that the government aims to provide more certainty for investors in low-carbon infrastructure by extending the critical national priority designation for nationally significant low-carbon energy projects. Additionally, the government plans to accelerate the expansion of EV charging infrastructure by removing unnecessary planning constraints.

Officials emphasized that in combination with existing manufacturing support and decarbonization plans, the new funding streams for strategic manufacturing will lead to the leveling up of communities across the country, the creation of higher-paid jobs, improved energy security, and the growth of future sectors.

FutureCar Staff