National Infrastructure

We help establish the case for national infrastructure and support major planning applications.

We assess the economic case for major infrastructure using robust economic modelling and the latest macroeoconomic trends. 
We support developers through all stages of major project applications – from pre-application through to post-decision and inquiry. Our team is experienced across a variety of planning routes, including Development Consent Orders (DCOs) for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).
We regularly prepare both preliminary and full socioeconomic and health chapters for environmental statements, employment and skills strategies, health impact assessments and equality impact assessments. We also act as a critical friend, peer reviewing application documents, to improve the robustness of an application. We advise on community benefits, helping shape initiatives tailored to local needs.
We work across a wide range of sectors including energy, transport and commercial development.
Recent projects include Maen Hir and the Droves Solar Farm, a nationally significant creative development and a world class tourist attraction. Our earlier work supported transformational schemes such as Crossrail, HS1, HS2, and the expansion of freight use through the Channel Tunnel. 

Our approach

We shape projects around a clear socio-economic vision, ensuring they deliver meaningful and lasting value. Our work ensures that the case for investment is not only compelling, but aligns each scheme with national and local priorities, from Net Zero and energy security to regional growth and innovation, building strong evidence around economic rationale, strategic alignment and deliverability.

Long-term thinking is at the heart of our approach. We look beyond the immediate case to uncover the full extent of a project’s value. We bring particular expertise in quantifying the wider economic benefits of schemes including supply chain effects, employment opportunities, skills uplift and long-term productivity gains. This helps projects stand up to scrutiny from central government and other statutory stakeholders. We consider how each scheme can positively shape communities, economies and environments for decades to come.

Our advice helps clients engage effectively with decision-makers, unlock funding and regulatory support, and ultimately deliver projects that shape the UK’s future economy.

Report example

Our Preliminary Skills Strategy for Prosiect Maen Hir uses data, policy and engagement to identify issues and develop meaningful initiatives for residents and businesses.

Case studies

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Profile view of a goods train with Intermodal wagons full of shipping container boxes for import and export in a yard or sidings
International Rail Freight
2023
Crane at Port
Immingham Eastern (Ro-Ro) Terminal
2023
An aerial view of the bustling A41 and M25 motorway interchange in London, England, surrounded by green fields and residential neighborhoods.
Lower Thames Crossing (On Behalf of London Gateway)
2023

Business Area Lead

Ellie Evans

Senior Partner
NSIPPost-application Support & Public Inquiry
"Whenever Volterra is on my team of experts for a major planning or infrastructure case, I have complete confidence that their part of the case will be handled perfectly. Ellie and her colleagues are world class at what they do and are a pleasure to work with."
Charles Banner QCKeating Chambers

Explore our expertise

See the ideas, real-world projects and people behind each expertise. Click below to see relevant case studies, insightful articles and the experts in our team who specialise in that area.
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25 years of trusted socio-economic expertise.

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