New feature: NSIPs data in Searchland

Timing and context are everything for developers working on large or complex sites. NSIPs often signal major infrastructure changes - new roads, energy projects, or transport links that can transform an area’s potential. 

By bringing NSIP data into Searchland, we’re giving you early visibility into these nationally significant projects so you can make smarter decisions, spot strategic opportunities, and stay ahead of the curve.

What are Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)?

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) are large-scale infrastructure projects in England, Wales, and Scotland that are deemed nationally important due to their size, complexity, or potential impact.

They include things like:

• Power stations and wind farms
• Railways and major roads
• Pipelines and power lines
• Waste facilities, water treatment works, and airports

Because these projects have national importance, they don’t go through local planning authorities. Instead, they follow a special planning process set out in the Planning Act 2008 (for England and Wales) or under devolved processes in Scotland.

That being said, the data across the Uk is

How do NSIPs work?

In England and Wales, the NSIP process is managed by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) and typically follows these six key stages:

1. Pre-application
   
   
   • The developer consults the public and key stakeholders (like local councils and environmental bodies).
     
   • This is a statutory consultation, meaning it's legally required.
     
     
2. Acceptance
   
   
   • The application is submitted to PINS.
     
   • PINS decides whether to accept it for examination.
     
     
3. Pre-examination
   
   
   • Interested parties can register to have their say.
     
   • An Examining Authority (a panel or single inspector) is appointed.
     
     
4. Examination
   
   
   • Usually, it takes up to 6 months.
     
   • Involves hearings, written submissions, and site visits.
     
     
5. Recommendation
   
   
   • The Examining Authority writes a report and recommends approval or refusal.
     
     
6. Decision
   
   
   • The Secretary of State makes the final decision for the relevant government department (e.g., Energy Security, Transport).
     
   • The decision is usually made within 3 months of the recommendation.
     
     

A Development Consent Order (DCO) is granted if approved, allowing the developer to proceed.

Key features of the NSIP process:

• Centralised decision-making: NSIPs skip the local authority process.
  
  
• Heavily regulated: Includes Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments, etc.
  
  
• Public involvement: Local communities and stakeholders can participate during consultation and examination.
  
  
• Transparent: All documentation is published and available online.

NSIP data in Searchland

We’ve integrated NSIP data directly into our Planning tool, allowing you to filter and search for specific infrastructure projects within your area of interest. You can search by application type, project name, or application stage to determine exactly what matters to you.

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🗺 Comprehensive Coverage: You can now access detailed information on all NSIP projects across England and Wales.

🔎 Advanced Search & Detailed Information: Utilise our advanced filter in the Planning Applications tool to search for NSIP projects. We've also introduced dedicated pages showcasing in-depth project details and upcoming NSIP events.

🔔 Proactive Alerts: Receive notifications whenever the status of an NSIP project changes (e.g., Examination stage to Decision stage), just like our planning application alerts.

Like most planning data, NSIP information is freely available - but scattered across siloed databases. We’ve brought it all together from the original sources, so you can access everything you need in one place. Here's where it comes from.

• England: Planning Inspectorate
  
• Wales: National Infrastructure Planning
  
• Scotland: Energy Consents Unit

If you're tracking NSIPs for development, energy, or environmental reasons, accessing this data gives you a considerable head start in understanding major projects' risks, opportunities, and timelines.

NSIPs data is available now Searchland,- if you'd like to give it go, speak to our team today.