House of Commons · Westminster Hall
16 September 2025 · 4 other contributors · 4,815 words
Opened by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter Lab Suffolk Coastal
Responding minister: Michael Shanks
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter raised concerns about significant energy infrastructure projects: suffolk coast in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government should work with Jenny Riddell-Carpenter to require developers to reconsider their proposals to minimise disruption to people and the environment. There needs to be oversight of the cumulative impact of all NSIP schemes in an area, which could be managed by a new overarching body.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Up to 30% of Britain’s future energy is expected to be generated in, or transmitted through, Jenny Riddell-Carpenter's constituency. The lack of coordination between the plans for nationally significant infrastructure projects within a small 10-mile radius poses challenges for local communities and important national landscapes.
Supports local area energy plans, which would empower communities to make decisions about their own energy needs and the amount of energy they want to export. Suggests that such planning should be on a statutory footing across every local authority in the country. He suggested that alongside the top-down strategic approach, a bottom-up engagement with communities via local authorities would be beneficial.
Asked the Minister to meet her to discuss more co-ordination in live projects as she outlined in her speech.
Commends Jenny Riddell-Carpenter for highlighting the issues faced by coastal communities and suggests that there is an opportunity to harness clean renewable energy in Strangford.
Addressed the need for regional energy plans alongside local initiatives, emphasizing community benefits from hosting infrastructure.
Government Response
Michael ShanksThe Minister of State, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Thanking the MP for raising this issue, the minister acknowledges the need for better co-ordination in planning energy infrastructure projects. He highlights the government's commitment to building critical infrastructure as part of their economic growth plan and underscores the importance of moving towards clean power for energy security. The minister emphasises that the UK must build new nuclear, renewables, and storage facilities to reduce exposure to fossil fuel volatility. Discussed the nationally significant infrastructure project process, highlighting its necessity and robustness. Mentioned cumulative impact assessments and local authority involvement in planning decisions. Acknowledged delays costing £1.5 million a month per some large projects. Discussed the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to streamline NSIP processes, focusing on public engagement and strategic planning for energy infrastructure. Emphasised the strategic spatial energy plan (SSEP) and centralised strategic network plan (CSNP) as key parts of future energy system design, aiming to map out optimal locations and types of energy infrastructure needed by 2027. Announced community benefit initiatives, guidance on community funds, and a bill discount scheme. Emphasized the importance of strategic planning and partnership with communities to build a resilient energy system.