The proposals, launched in the last few days of Keir Starmer’s government, would extend judicial review reforms beyond Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) to major housing, transport and energy developments such as solar projects, road buildings and affordable homes. This will potentially save about six months of court time. Shorter deadlines for service of claims could also apply.
Judicial review was streamlined for NSIPs by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025—NSIP cases skip the first paper permission stage of judicial review and move straight to an oral hearing, where a High Court judge can deem the complaint ‘totally without merit’ and refuse appeal.
The six-week consultation, ‘Judicial review reforms beyond Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects’, asks for views on what types of projects should be included. It closes on 27 August.
Courts minister Sarah Sackman said: ‘Judicial review will remain a vital safeguard, but it cannot be a vehicle for delay.’
