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Complexity Kills Common Sense!
Occasionally government listens. About 4 years ago, I represented ABP at a small seminar arranged by Ports Division of DETR (now DfT) on the environmental needs from an integrated transport policy. RSPB and English Nature also gave presentations. Of course there were areas of significant difference, but I was able, with their agreement, to list 9 areas where there was broad agreement between ports, environmental agencies and the NGO sector. The civil servants asked us to nominate the one area that was most important to us. There was no prior consultation, but we all agreed that simplification of the consents process was by far the most important change needed. It helps neither developer nor objector, and strains the resources of hard pressed government agencies.
Since then Ports Division have worked with the consents body of DEFRA (formerly MAFF) to form a marine consents unit. Moreover, they are undertaking a major review of the consents process in the coastal zone. This is being watched closely by the DEFRA Review of Marine Nature Conservation, and we can only wish them luck with a difficult task. Success would both add to environmental protection and the reduction of delay and cost with respect to such coastal zone developments as are deemed necessary.
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