A Bill was introduced in the 1991-92 session that became the Transport and Works Act 1992. This Act allows those who wish to undertake works projects, such as railways, tramways, other guided transport systems as well as inland waterways and works intefering with navigation, to apply to the Secretary of State for an Order under the Act.
Deposited plans and environmental assessments are still required, as they would be for a Private Bill. If there is an objection to the project there will be a local enquiry at which objectors get the chance to speak. This process removes works projects from Parliamentary scrutiny but there is a provision for debate on those projects identified by the Secretary of State as of national importance.