Councils could be caught up in a row between the Government and environmental groups over plans to fast-track major planning projects. The Government this week published six draft national policy statements (NPSs) to help push through the building of major infrastructure projects – such as power stations. Environmental campaigners, Friends of the Earth, say the NPSs must clearly set out the impact of developments on UK carbon emissions including an explanation of how they will deliver on the nation's carbon budgets. The group warned that a legal challenge could follow should the Government not consider climate change. Andy Atkins, executive director of Friends of the Earth, said: ‘The battle against climate change must be at the core of all Government decision-making, especially on massive projects like new power stations and roads. ‘The Committee on Climate Change has warned the Government that tougher polices are needed to meet UK carbon budgets.