Major infrastructure and clean energy projects will have limited legal challenges in the courts to speed the Government’s Plan for Change.

The Government wants to stop “excessive rules” that allow cases can be brought back to the courts three times, with over half (58 per cent) of all decisions on major infrastructure taken to court. The Government confirmed this will be overhauled, with just one attempt at legal challenge for “cynical cases” lodged purely to cause delay rather than three.

Citing the examples that include Sizewell C where small group of activists took the decision to court, with the High Court dismissing the action and describing aspects as “utterly hopeless”, but work was left uncertain for two years.

The Prime Minister said: “For too long, blockers have had the upper hand in legal challenges – using our court processes to frustrate growth. We’re putting an end to this challenge culture by taking on the Nimbys and a broken system that has slowed down our progress as a nation.”

The Government is attempting to push 150 infrastructure projects, including renewable energy projects, railways and roads.

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