Exclusive: Nick Harris - ‘We are trying to do too much with the planning system’

17/10/2024 | DOMINIC BROWNE

 Exclusive: Nick Harris - ‘We are trying to do too much with the planning system’

As the new Labour government plans a decade of infrastructure renewal, National Highways chief executive Nick Harris (pictured below) talked to Highways about the potential reforms that could support better delivery.

Mr Harris spoke as National Highways nears the end of its second road investment strategy (2020-2025), which he conceded had been ‘through a lot of changes’ and had suffered from the impact of ‘legal challenges to the planning process’.

Mr Harris said: ‘I am not critical of the [planning] process. It has timescales and it is structured. But I think there is a broader question here for all of us. I worry that we are trying to achieve too much with the planning process. It is not necessarily about building regulation or how we realise the economic value that has been transferred to the private sector by gaining planning.

‘These are all great questions but maybe we are asking too much of the planning system by trying to solve them [within that system]. I am seeing an understanding and receptiveness in the new government to address these issues.’

Mr Harris also revealed that National Highways had made recommendations to government for reforms to the judicial review process as well.

‘What we have seen in the last four or five years is legal challenges and judicial reviews of planning decisions. Nearly all of which we win, whether that is government or us. And of course, it is only right and proper that decisions can be challenged and judicially reviewed, but I think there are improvements that can be made and we have been making suggestions on that.

‘There is a question of proportionality, so at the moment to bring a judicial review against a large scheme probably costs in the order of £10,000 but it can have tens of millions of impact for a scheme, which ultimately continues, so I think it has to be looked at carefully. Maybe a higher barrier or a greater test of the merits of the case. We have been feeding in the experience from the legal challenges we have seen recently to [communities department] MHCLG and others.’

Questioned on environmental issues, which have been the source of many challenges and objections to major infrastructure projects, Mr Harris suggested there should be a focus on delivery standards.

‘As an organization, we have gained accreditation and certification for PAS 2080, that’s how you manage carbon or decarbonization. So I am really clear we can continue to operate and enhance the network in a way that is consistent with decarbonisation.

‘As long as we meet the standards and it is consistent with sustainable environment and biodiversity [the projects can go ahead]. I am completely comfortable that when we develop a scheme, we have to show that we are not only mitigating the impact of the scheme but also looking at the long-term trend of sustainability in those areas and I think that is an entirely reasonable challenge and one we can meet.’

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Transport Planner

£47,532 - £50,574
Royal Greenwich is a borough synonymous with first class modern services Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recruiter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Technician - Highway Inspector

Grade 8 £28,797 - £30,708 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Within the Highways Maintenance Team we are looking for an enthusiastic, customer focused and experienced person to join the Service Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Delivery Senior Team Leader

£74,480 - £85,964
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification) Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our South Lakeland team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Bulky Operative

£25,584.00 - £27,269.00, Grade 5, 37 hours, Permanent.
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Bulky Operative Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Project Delivery Team Leader

£57,710 - £71,842
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification). Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts Council

£52000 - £61000 per annum
Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts CouncilNorth Herts CouncilPermanent, Full Time£52,866 - £61,866 per annum, plus car allowance (pay award pe England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Street Scene Protection Officer - Braintree District Council

£30000 - £34000 per annum
Street Scene Protection Officer - Braintree District CouncilBraintree District CouncilPermanent, Full Time£30,313 to £34,612 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
This is a key support role, helping to deliver a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes across South Lakeland. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Senior Integrated Transport Officer

£34,324 - £37,529
Are you an experienced transport planning professional ready to influence strategic policy and drive real change Matlock, Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Roadworker Trainee LGV Driver (3 Posts)

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay award pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team undertaking major highway, bridge and related construction and reconstruction Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF3013e

£27,711 -£28,624
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £25081.00 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,081 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW