Humberside Regional Event
Robert Upton – Deputy Chair Mark Wilson – IPC Case LeaderTom Carpen – IPC Case Leader
8th September 2010
independent, impartial, inclusive
A better planning process for national infrastructure projects
– A simpler process– Faster decisions– A fairer approach– Engaging people and
communities– Independent professional
judgement– Cutting costs
independent, impartial, inclusive
National Policy Statements (NPSs)
– Overall energy policy*– Renewables*– Fossil*– Electricity networks*– Oil and gas*– Nuclear*
– Ports*– National networks– Airports
– Water supply– Waste water– Hazardous waste
independent, impartial, inclusive
Future reform
Commitment by Government to an efficient anddemocratically accountable fast-track process formajor infrastructure projects.
– Energy NPSs to undergo further consultation– New primary legislation – Localism Bill– A new Major Infrastructure Planning Unit as part
of the Planning Inspectorate (Spring 2012)– The expertise, processes and special character
of the IPC will be retained– Secretary of State to make final decisions– Existing procedures remain during transition.
independent, impartial, inclusive
Humberside Projects
– Hull Biomass Power Station (Autumn 2010)– Brigg Gas Power Station (Feb 2011)– Marine Energy Park, Killingholme (March 2011)– Hornsea Offshore Windfarm (July 2012)– Triton Knoll Offshore Windfarm (Dec 2012) – Dogger Bank Offshore Windfarm (2012) – A160 Highway Improvement (TBC)
independent, impartial, inclusive
The role of the IPC
Pre-application:– Outreach– Advice to all parties– EIA - Screening and scoping– Effective consultation
Acceptance
Examination:– Preliminary meeting– Written representations– Inquisitorial hearings
Decision/Recommendation:– Report of justification
independent, impartial, inclusive
How our process works
Pre-application advice to applicant and others.Outreach activity to raise awareness and encourage effective consultation.
28 days to decide whether to accept
Initial assessment of principal issues and Preliminary Meeting.Procedural decision on how application is to be examined.
Up to 6 months to carry out examination, principally through written representations.Hearings led by Commissioner on specific issues, and open-floor hearings.
6 week window for legal challenge
Pre-Application
Acceptance
Pre-Examination
Examination
Decision
Post Decision
IPC Chair appoints Panel or Single Commissioner
IPC has 3 months to make recommendation. Secretary of State has 3 months to make final decision.
independent, impartial, inclusive
Pre-application: effective community and organisational engagement
developer
IPC
otherorganisations
generalpublic
potentialinterested
parties
statutoryconsulteesgovernment depts
& NPSslocal authorities
land owners &neighbours
independent, impartial, inclusive
Total application
– Driven by applicant
– Effective engagement with communities and LAs
– Have regard to consultees
– Development of draft DCO
– Very limited scope to make changes post submission
– Comprehensive EIA/ES
No shocks and no surprises
independent, impartial, inclusive
Acceptance
– Has the applicant met its pre-
application obligations?
– Does the Consultation Report
demonstrate that consultation
was effective?
– Local authorities’ adequacy of
consultation representations?
– Is the application in the correct
form, including necessary
documentation?
– Has applicable guidance been
followed, and if not, why not?
independent, impartial, inclusive
Post application: effective gathering of evidence and decision making
IPC Commissioners
IPC professional services
other organisations
potentialinterested
parties
statutoryconsultees
government depts& NPSslocal authorities
land owners &neighbours
generalpublic
developers
independent, impartial, inclusive
Pre-examination
– Applicant required to publicise an accepted application
– IPC moves to centre stage– Appointment of Examining Authority– Stakeholders register as interested parties– Relevant representations– IPC makes its initial assessment of principal issues– Preliminary meeting– Procedural decision– Timetable for examination
independent, impartial, inclusive
The examination
– Examination to be inquisitorial rather than adversarial
– Statements of common ground– Local Authority produces Local Impact
Report– Written representations– Hearings
– Open floor– Specific issue– Compulsory purchase
– IPC may appointment an assessor
independent, impartial, inclusive
Local authority leadership
– Statutory Consultee– Special Role – facilitating the process– Taking part at all stages of the process – Representing the Community– Providing objective technical evidence– Enforcement– Resources - PPA?
independent, impartial, inclusive
Statement of Community Consultation
– Developer must consult local authority on draft SoCC
– Published in the local press
– Developers must do what they say!
– LA comments to IPC on adequacy of consultation
independent, impartial, inclusive
Local Impact Report (LIR)
– Local authority decides form and content
– Focus on the economic, environmental and social issues
– Submitted at examination stage to deadline set by Commissioner
– Important to start work before application
– IPC advice note
www.independent.gov.uk\infrastructure
independent, impartial, inclusive
Key Statutory Deadlines for Consultees
– Scoping Opinion Consultation (28 days)
– LA comments on draft SoCC (28 days)
– Pre-application consultation and publicity (min 28 days responses)
– LA adequacy statement within 14 days of submission.
– Submission of relevant representation following application acceptance (min 28 days)
– Local Impact Report (approximately 6 weeks from Preliminary Meeting)
– Submission of detailed written representations (min 21 days)
independent, impartial, inclusive
Contact us
Hull Biomass Power Station and Marine Energy Park, Killingholme
Mark Wilson: 0303 444 5062 e: [email protected]
Brigg Gas Power Station
Tom Carpen: 0303 444 5064 e: [email protected]
Hornsea Offshore Windfarm and A160 Highway Improvement
Owain George: 0303 444 5053 e: [email protected]
Triton Knoll Offshore Windfarm and Dogger Bank Offshore Windfarm
David Cliff: 0303 444 5063 e: [email protected]
independent, impartial, inclusive
Contact us
Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC)
Temple Quay House
Temple Quay
Bristol
BS1 6PN
0303 444 5000
www.independent.gov.uk/infrastructure