Petition · Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Stop a single Minister having the final say on national infrastructure projects

Open for signatures 14,043 signatures

What the petition asks

Amend the Planning Act 2008 to end the system where one Minister makes final decisions on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). We want this power transferred to an independent panel of experts or decided by a vote in Parliament ensuring transparent and collective decision-making.
One politician can currently approve huge projects like pylons, solar farms or motorways, even if an independent inquiry recommends refusal. We believe this creates a risk of political bias and undermines public trust. These projects affect the environment and communities for generations; they are too significant for one person to decide alone. We feel that moving to a panel or Parliamentary vote ensures decisions are expert-led and carry a stronger democratic mandate for the nation’s future infrastructure.

Timeline

26 May 2026 Petition opened for signatures
7 Jul 2026 Passed 10,000 signatures, requiring a government response

Key facts

Signatures 14,043
Status Open for signatures
Department Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Opened 26 May 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.