Airports
If the projected growth in demand for air travel over the coming years is to be met, the UK is in need of new runways, terminals and airports and better access to those airports. But the delivery of such infrastructure divides opinion, given concerns over local and global environmental impacts. The upshot is that delivering new airport infrastructure is more complex, high profile and hard fought than ever before.
With one of the largest dedicated legal teams in the UK specialising in the planning, authorisation and delivery of major infrastructure projects, we are experts in guiding both promoters and objectors through the process. We can help you with:
- advice on the necessary statutory approvals for airport infrastructure
- preparing application documents
- compliance of plans and projects with strategic environmental assessment and environmental impact assessment requirements
- proposals for the compulsory acquisition of necessary land
- public inquiries, hearings and legal challenges in the courts
- objector management and the negotiation of agreements with stakeholders
- advising objectors on the scope and settlement of objections
- a sound stakeholder and public consultation programme
- communications and public policy issues, such as working with central government and Parliament and media relations
- procurement and project finance
- commercial and property agreements
New Regime for Major Infrastructure Development
Large scale airport construction and expansion (i.e. capacity increases of over 10,000,000 passengers or 10,000 air cargo movements per year) qualifies as a 'Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project' (NSIP) under the Planning Act 2008, meaning that they are subject to a new authorisation process. In addition, surface access improvements to road and rail facilities may qualify as NSIPs.
Bircham Dyson Bell, in conjunction with Butterworths, have produced a unique Practical Guide to National Infrastructure Projects to provide both promoters and objectors and their advisers with a user-friendly, practical, step-by-step explanation of the new process. It includes detailed guidance on the issues which arise during the development of major projects such as airports, in particular in relation to national policy statements, environmental impact assessment, consultation and the management of objections.
Please click here to order the Practical Guide to National Infrastructure Projects.
To learn more about the services we offer, please click here.
