Major infrastructure projects such as airport expansion and energy schemes should follow the example of the Olympics, experts said today.
Sir John Armitt, the former chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority who is leading an infrastructure review, said cross-party backing and a lack of political interference contributed to the success of the Games.
Calling for more long-term planning for major projects, he said: “We got it right.” Sir John’s review will consider the case for a quango to oversee planning for schemes ranging from nuclear power stations to new runways. He said politicians will struggle to access private investment without certainty that a project will go ahead.
Lord Adonis, who will sit on the advisory panel, said: “Where there is a clear national imperative, and the politicians work together, then those people who delivered [the Games], led by John, did not have to constantly worry that politicians would pull the plug.” The panel will issue an interim report in spring and final conclusions in autumn.
