The government has launched a consultation on extending judicial review reforms beyond Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) to major housing, transport and energy developments such as solar projects, road building or affordable homes.
Thousands of new homes and major infrastructure projects could be unblocked under the plans, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said in a joint statement yesterday (Thursday).
The consultation will explore targeted reforms, including limiting repeated unsuccessful attempts to bring claims and introducing clearer court timetables, to prevent “weak and meritless challenges” from holding up nationally important projects, while protecting access to justice and the rule of law.
The proposals build on reforms introduced through the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and changes to court rules, which streamlined judicial review for NSIPs in the aim of reducing delays and deterring “weak and meritless claims” and ensuring cases are resolved more quickly.
Sarah Sackman KC MP, the minister for courts and legal services, said: “Britain needs more homes, better transport links and new infrastructure. Legal challenges which lack merit should not be allowed to hold back the developments that create jobs, drive growth and strengthen communities.
“Judicial review will remain a vital safeguard, but it cannot be a vehicle for delay. We want to protect access to justice while getting nationally important projects built faster.”
The consultation will seek views on whether reforms should focus on major infrastructure projects and other strategically important developments. It will also consider how any changes can be carefully targeted to avoid undue pressure on court resources while maintaining access to justice.
The government estimates 392,400 homes have been delivered since the start of this parliament to 14 June 2026 – more than a quarter of its 1.5 million target.
The government has also confirmed changes coming into force next week will remove mandatory pre-application consultation requirements for NSIPs, cutting up to 12 months from the planning process.
