OpenConsultation consultationoutcome

Proposed amendments to the existing national policy statement for ports

From:
Department for Transport
Published
4 June 2025
Last updated
6 July 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

National policy statement for ports: response to the transport committee and to consultation (web version)

PDF, 688 KB, 31 pages

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National policy statement for ports: response to the transport committee and to consultation (large print version)

Unnumbered command paper

PDF, 365 KB, 48 pages

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National policy statement for ports: response to the transport committee and to consultation (print version)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6710-4

Unnumbered command paper

PDF, 13.7 MB, 36 pages

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Detail of outcome

The government consulted on a draft revised National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP) between 4 June and 29 July 2025, as part of a statutory review under the Planning Act 2008. The NPSP provides the framework for planning decisions on nationally significant port infrastructure.

Respondents broadly agreed that ports are critical to:

  • the UK’s economic growth
  • environmental ambitions and clean energy transition

Respondents supported updating the NPSP to improve planning certainty and reduce regulatory friction.

Government response

The government welcomes the broad support for the revised NPSP.

The updated NPSP will:

  • maintain applicant-led assessment of need, while supporting a resilient ports sector
  • improve clarity and certainty in the planning framework
  • reflect the strategic role of ports in delivering growth and clean energy

The government has also considered the Transport Select Committee’s report (published 14 November 2025) and has responded to its recommendations in line with statutory requirements.

Next steps

The government has published the revised NPSP following consideration of consultation responses and parliamentary scrutiny.

Original consultation

Summary

Seeks views on the draft revised national policy statement for ports (2025).

This consultation closesran atfrom
to

Consultation description

We are seeking views on revisions to the current national policy statement for ports (NPSP), which was designated in January 2012. It outlines the government’s policy framework for the development of nationally significant infrastructure across different sectors.

The NPSP applies to ports in England and Milford Haven port in Wales (as a reserved trust port) and associated road and rail links, where relevant. Elsewhere in the UK, port policy is devolved.

Proposals made to the NPSP are due to significant policy and economic changes that have led to structural amendments for port infrastructure since 2012.

This consultation aims to identify whether the draft revised NPSP presented is fit for purpose. It contains:

  • consultation information, including what we are looking for and how to respond
  • the draft revised NPSP document showing comments and track changes
  • the appraisal of sustainability (AoS)
  • habitats regulations assessment (HRA)

The AoS and HRA are both statutory requirements under the (s.6(6) Planning Act 2008, Reg. 110 Habitats Regulations). You can read them alongside this consultation, however, this is not necessary for your response.

National policy statement for ports webinar

DfT is holding a webinar on 16 July 2025 from 3pm until 4.30pm to discuss the proposal for an amended national policy statement for ports. This is an opportunity to hear from DfT and ask any questions before responding to the consultation.

Sign up by email: portsnpsconsultation@dft.gov.uk.

Documents

Draft national policy statement for ports consultation

HTML

Proposal for a revised national policy statement for ports

PDF, 783 KB, 87 pages

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Appraisal of sustainability

PDF, 2.66 MB, 331 pages

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Habitats regulations assessment

PDF, 767 KB, 69 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email webmasterdft@dft.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Ways to respond

Respond online

or

Complete a response form and either

Email to:

portsnpsconsultation@dft.gov.uk

Write to:

Ports and shipping division, maritime directorate
Department for Transport
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London, SW1P 4DR

Updates to this page

Published 4 June 2025
Last updated 6 July 2026 — Show all updates

  1. Consultation outcome with government response added.

  2. First published.

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