NIPA Annual Conference
Monday 11 November 2024The Auditorium, Clifford Chance,10 Upper Bank St, London E14 5JJ
10 Upper Bank St, London E14 5JJ
This one day conference, kindly hosted at Clifford Chance, Canary Wharf, London, is the key event in the national infrastructure planning diary.
It is coming at a very important time as the new government begins to map out its planning reforms, including to the nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) regime. There has been a lot of activity in the last 12 months with National Policy Statements, pre-application guidance and prospectus as well as updated Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes, and there are now the new government’s reviews to come. Strategic planning, wider devolution, Net Zero, environmental outcomes, biodiversity and natural capital, economic growth and continuing evolution for a post Brexit Britain remain the key drivers for improvements to the nation’s economic infrastructure. Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, will give a keynote address.
This year’s conference is an important opportunity for NIPA members and others to discuss and inform the continuing reform agenda for the NSIPs regime. This is taking place of course against the backdrop of the new government and its policy evolution, and the learning we are constantly gaining from increased implementation and delivery of NSIPs on the ground.
We hope you will enjoy your day with the NIPA family— contributing to the ongoing reform agenda, highlighting examples of best practice and gaining insight and knowledge from our discussions — at what is a pivotal time for the NSIPs regime and UK infrastructure planning, environment and delivery.
Sponsored by
The Programme
The day will include great networking opportunities, lunch, afternoon tea and refreshments. It’s the ideal forum for both promoters and those involved with NSIP proposals.
- 09.30 – Welcome and introduction
Steven Norris, Chair, NIPA Council - 09.35 – Delivering National Infrastructure
Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government - 09.55 – Update and look ahead
Anna Payne, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; and Dr Pauleen Lane CBE, The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) - 10.30 – Panel: Thoughts and experience from local authorities and DCOs
Panellists: Andrew Cook, Suffolk County Council, Tessa Bond, Somerset County Council and Mark Williets, North Kesteven District Council
Chaired by Wendy Lane, Director, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council - 11.00 – Morning Coffee
- 11.25 – Workshop session on Infrastructure Planning and Delivery Reform
Reform Area 2: Operational reform— Led by Vicki Redman, WBD, supported by Olivia Heininger, Burges Salmon
The National Infrastructure Commission’s recent report identified inefficient consenting and compliance as one of four root causes of systemic failure to consistently deliver major infrastructure projects on time and to budget. In this workshop, delegates will consider how operational reforms from the NSIP Reform Action Plan are bedding-in and what more can be done to deliver better outcomes for all of those involved in infrastructure consenting. Join us to share your ideas and experiences for creating a more proportionate, timely and effective process for consenting Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Reform Area 4: Recognising the role of local communities and strengthening engagement— Led by Ben Copithorne, Camargue, supported by Jordan Martin, DWD
With the national need for new investment and infrastructure so strong – from power and pylons to water and sustainable waste management – the equation to meaningfully engage and balance local input with predictable and successful consenting and delivery has never been more challenging. In this session we’ll invite views and experiences for what’s working well on community engagement and, in contrast, where we’re experiencing blockages. We want to probe success stories and ideas for enabling and enhancing stakeholder and community engagement. And we want to understand more about where and why promoters are seeing setbacks and challenges at a local level. The outcome of the session will flow forward into potential advice and guidance we can all use to make the process better.
Reform Area 5: System capability – building a more diverse and resilient resourcing model— Led by Tom Carpen, Thames Water, supported by Harry Dent, WSP
Report back to Conference from the three workshop groups - 12:30 – Lunch and networking
- 13:30 – Panel: DCO implementation and delivery in practice
Panellists: Phil Emison, Costain, Sarah Williamson, Laing O'Rourke and Lizzie Barnes, Balfour Beatty
Chaired by Viki James, Ardent - 14:20 – Realising better outcomes for the natural environment – All matters environmental gain
Julia Baker, Mott MacDonald – Biodiversity Net Gain
Toby Gibbs, Logika – Environmental Net Gain
Celestia Godbehere, Renewables UK – Marine Net Gain - 15:00 – Afternoon Tea
- 15:20 – Jan Bessell, NIPA Board Chair, Pinsent Masons in conversation with Natalie Prosser, Office for Environmental Protection and Margaret Read, National Infrastructure Commission
- 15:50 – Panel: Case law update
Ruchi Parekh, Cornerstone Barristers
Jonathan Welch, FTB - Francis Taylor Building
Victoria Hutton, 39 Essex Chambers
Matthew Henderson, Landmark Chambers
Chaired by Michael Humphries KC, FTB - Francis Taylor Building - 16:55 – Concluding thoughts from the day
Steven Norris, Chair, NIPA Council - 17:00 – Drinks Reception
- 18:00 – Close
Registration will take place between 0845 and 0925 and the day will close at 1700 followed by a drinks reception until 1800.
Please note the NIPA Annual Conference is subject to change and further updates.
Overview
Format
A One Day Conference
Timings
Registration is from 0845 and the conference will start at 0930. The day closes at 1700 followed by an early evening reception 1700-1800.
Venue
The Auditorium, Clifford Chance, 10 Upper Bank Street, London, E14 5JJ
Fee includes
- Attendance in person
- Refreshments and lunch
- Post conference reception and networking event.
Booking form
If you are unable to pay by card and require an invoice please email events@nipa-uk.org for further details.
Terms & Conditions
- Registration is considered binding immediately. Payment is required with the registration form.
- Numbers are limited and bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
- Once bookings are made they cannot be cancelled. Substitute delegates will be accepted.
- If the booking was made at member rate and the substitute is not a member then you would be liable to pay the difference between the rates.
- If the booking was made at EYPs or Student rate and the substitute does not qualify the difference in cost would be due.
- VAT will be charged at the prevailing UK rate currently 20%.
- Once booking has been received an automated confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided with a VAT invoice. Please check your ‘junk box’ if not received in your inbox within 5 mins of booking.
- The organisers reserve the right to vary the speakers and content within the overall objectives of the conference.
- The organisers accept no responsibility for views expressed or contained in the conference documentation.
- The administration of the conference is being organised on behalf of NIPA by Quadrilect Ltd.