Infrastructure Legislation
Regulations governing public works, infrastructure development, construction standards, and facility maintenance.
The Marine Licensing (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment etc.) Order 2026
This Order expands the scope of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 by designating ten new categories of licensable marine activities conducted in areas beyond national jurisdiction, such as the high seas and the international seabed.
It requires British vessels, aircraft, structures, and 'United Kingdom persons' to obtain licenses for activities including depositing substances, scuttling vessels, constructing works, dredging, and using explosives in these areas.
The Order also establishes specific exemptions for activities that do not require environmental impact assessments and aligns the new regulations with existing Scottish marine legislation and cable maintenance protocols.
The Sunnica Energy Farm (Amendment) Order 2026
This Order modifies the Sunnica Energy Farm Order 2024 by updating the list of certified documents that govern the energy farm's development.
It replaces specific rows in Schedule 10 of the original 2024 Order to incorporate updated versions of access and rights of way plans, the book of reference, land and Crown land plans, traffic regulation measures plans, and works plans.
These changes apply to the Sunnica Energy Farm project and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The Wireless Telegraphy (Direct to Device Satellite Communications) (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
These Regulations amend the Wireless Telegraphy (Direct to Device Satellite Communications) (Exemption) Regulations 2026 to include additional frequency bands in the licensing exemption for satellite-to-device communications.
They authorize the establishment, installation, and use of wireless telegraphy apparatus within the 880.1-885.1 Megahertz and 925.1-930.1 Megahertz ranges without a formal license, provided specific power limits are met.
The regulations apply to any person or entity operating apparatus, such as mobile phones, capable of direct communication with satellite systems using the specified frequencies and GSM standards.
The Environmental Delivery Plans (Appropriate Prioritisation) Regulations 2026
These Regulations establish a hierarchy of conservation measures that Natural England must follow when drafting or amending Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) under the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.
The agency is directed to prioritize avoidance of environmental damage over mitigation, and mitigation over compensation, provided such prioritisation is deemed appropriate and delivers value for money.
These rules apply specifically to Natural England's administrative processes in England and require the agency to explicitly categorize all proposed conservation measures within their plans.
The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 (Commencement No. 4 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026
These Regulations bring several provisions of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 into legal force on various dates throughout 2026.
The instrument activates sections concerning Natural England's advisory role, the transfer of transport functions, and significant reforms to the development consent process for infrastructure projects under the Planning Act 2008.
These changes apply to the Secretary of State, local planning authorities, Natural England, and applicants for major infrastructure developments in England and Wales.
The Airports Slot Allocation (Alleviation of Usage Requirements) Regulations 2026
These Regulations amend the rules governing how airport slot usage is calculated for the Summer 2026 and Winter 2026/27 scheduling periods at airports in England, Wales, and Scotland.
They authorize a temporary deviation from standard 'use-it-or-lose-it' thresholds by allowing air carriers to return up to 10% of their allocated slots—in two distinct 5% phases—without those slots counting against their usage record for future entitlement.
To qualify for this alleviation, carriers must have held historic rights to the slots, provided at least 14 days' notice to passengers regarding cancellations, and confirmed they have not ceased operations at the airport.
The Regulations apply to airport slot coordinators and air carriers operating at coordinated airports.
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Bristol) (Emergency) (No. 2) (Revocation) Regulations 2026
These Regulations officially revoke the emergency flight restrictions that were previously imposed over a specified area in Bristol, as the Secretary of State for Transport determines that these restrictions are no longer required in the public interest following the passing of the initial emergency.
The Offshore Installations (Safety Zones) Order 2026
The Offshore Installations (Safety Zones) Order 2026 establishes 500-metre safety zones around three specified offshore installations—Global Producer III, Solan, and Wenlock, using coordinates based on the World Geodetic System 1984, specifically to maintain protection during their ongoing dismantlement phases.
This Order is made by the Secretary of State under the Petroleum Act 1987 and concurrently amends previous orders by removing safety zones related to the Thames Bure Wellhead, Thames Yare Wellhead, and the Victoria Subsea Production Well.