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Policy Paper Published 14 Jul 2025 Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs ↗ View on GOV.UK

National Policy Statement: water resources infrastructure

Policy for developing nationally significant infrastructure projects for water resources in England.

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This National Policy Statement is an update to the 2023 National Policy Statement for water resources infrastructure. 

This National Policy Statement (NPS) aims to: 

  • streamline the planning permission process for nationally significant water infrastructure projects 
  • enable new water supply infrastructure 
  • provide planning guidance for applicants 

The NPS is the primary basis for examination by the Examining Authority. It’s used by the Secretary of State to consider development consent applications for nationally significant water resource infrastructure projects. 

This NPS is supported by an Appraisal of Sustainability and a Habitats Regulations Assessment. These documents can be made available on request from  water.resources@defra.gov.uk.