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Updated guidance for applicants, landowners and/or occupiers on the necessary wayleave process can be found on the Electricity Infrastructure Portal
Important regulatory changes introduced on 1 March 2010:
From 1 March 2010, the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) became responsible for processing new planning applications under the Planning Act 2008. Section 36 applications received by DECC before 1 March 2010 will remain with the Department for examination and decision.
Below is a list of major energy infrastructures that the IPC will deal with:
- Electricity generating stations generating more than 50 megawatts onshore and 100* megawatts offshore
- Electricity lines at or above 132 Kilovolts
- Certain nationally significant gas infrastructure
- Cross country oil and gas pipelines at or above the threshold of 16.093 kilometres/10 miles in length and certain licensed gas transporter pipelines
See the Communities and Local Government: Planning Act 2008 web page for details.
A list of current and anticipated projects can be found on the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC): Projects web pages.
Further information on the role and responsibilities of the IPC can be found on the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) website.
For general telephone enquiries please ring the IPC on 0303 444 5000.
The coalition Government is committed to abolishing the IPC. A statement setting out our plans to provide clarity and certainty for developers looking to invest in major energy infrastructures will be made shortly.
*Due to further legislative changes introduced under Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 from 1 April 2010 the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) was created to take over responsibility for processing offshore renewables energy generating station applications under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 (and associated safety zone applications) for projects above 1 megawatt and up to 100 megawatt in English and Welsh territorial waters and the renewable energy zone. The process for making an application to the MMO (which has assumed the former responsibilities of the Marine and Fisheries Agency) will be very similar to that for developers applying for FEPA licences. If you want further information on how the MMO will process section 36 applications please contact the MMO on 0191 376 2525 or 2534.
For further information on the role and responsibilities of the MMO (MFA) please send your request to offshore.renewables@mfa.gsi.gov.uk
National Policy Statements for Energy Infrastructure:
DECC’s consultation on the draft energy National Policy Statements (NPSs) was held between 9 November 2009 and 22 February 2010. The Department received over 3000 public responses and we are currently analysing all responses received. The Government intends to complete the drafting of the energy NPSs and will seek Parliamentary approval.