Labour considers fast-tracking approval of big projects

There are a few modest signs of progress in the UK (and Canada):

Ministers are exploring using the powers of parliament to cut the time it takes to approve new railways, power stations and other infrastructure projects.

In an attempt to promote growth, the government is examining whether it could pass legislation that would allow transport, energy and new town housing projects to circumvent swathes of the planning process.

The move could limit the ability of opponents to challenge projects in the courts and reduce scrutiny of some ­developments. It is loosely modelled on a Canadian scheme that was the brainchild of Mark Carney, the new prime minister and a former governor of the Bank of England.

The One Canadian Economy Act was passed by Canada’s parliament in June and gives Carney’s government powers to fast-track national projects. The Treasury is understood to be ­examining how a UK version could speed up the approval process for ­nationally significant infrastructure projects, such as offshore wind farms or even a third runway at Heathrow.

Here is more from The Times.