Under the proposals in the Planning Bill, when determining major infrastructure applications, the Infrastructure Planning Commission will be required to have regard to the relevant National Policy Statement, other matters which may be set out in secondary legislation and any other matters which the Commission thinks are important and relevant to its decision.
National Policy Statements will be subject to an appraisal of sustainability and will take into account other government policies, including policies on air quality and noise impacts, where they are relevant. The Infrastructure Planning Commission will also have to ensure that relevant provisions of European Community environmental law are complied with, including those covering air quality and noise pollution.