A new planning process for major infrastructure is set to speed up the development of vital transport projects in the UK.
The system, which came into effect earlier this week, is designed to cut the time taken to secure planning consent for crucial energy and transport projects.
As part of the process, proposals will now be put to the Infrastructure Planning Commission, rather than going through the eight former planning systems.
The government says the changes will help reduce the time taken to reach a decision from up to seven years under the older process to less than 12 months.
Planning minister John Healey said the new "faster and fairer" system will be vital towards driving economic growth and recovery in the UK.
"If we are to be competitive in the global economy and have a good quality of life, it is clear we need a better system for planning and building the infrastructure the country needs," he added.
According to the British Chambers of Commerce, spending on key regional and national transport projects could help generate £85 billion for the UK economy over the next five years.
