Around 230,000 professionals from the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the Royal Town Planning Institute have written to Chancellor Gordon Brown calling for a clear plan for delivering multi-billion pound investment in the nation’s infrastructure, ahead of the forthcoming Planning White Paper.

They have asked the government to clarify its plans for major investments into new transport, energy, waste and water infrastructure. Recent reports to the treasury from Sir Rod Eddington and Kate Barker, highlighted that Britain needs to invest in major infrastructure to create more flexible labour markets, ensure energy security, accommodate population growth and guard against environmental harm.
The three construction bodies are calling for a National Infrastructure Framework to help the government determine the location of major new infrastructure. They believe the framework should be regularly monitored in spending reviews and would link into Regional Spatial Strategies.

Graham Chase, RICS President, said: “We urge the government to follow up on Kate Barkers recommendation for an independent planning commission. This will enable decisions on national infrastructure projects such as new roads, power stations and airports to be integrated into a development plan, avoiding the long delays that currently affect major infrastructure projects. The government must act to establish a national infrastructure framework.”