Latest News
Important regulatory changes are being introduced from 1 March 2010:
Due to legislative changes introduced under the Planning Act 2008 the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) will take over responsibility for processing new consent applications for the following nationally significant infrastructure energy projects from 1 March 2010 (consent applications received by DECC before 1 March 2010 will remain with DECC until a decision has been taken):
- 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 (see the Communities and Local Government: Planning Act 2008 web page for details)
- 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
As a consequence of these regulatory changes developers will in future have to submit applications to the IPC under the Planning Act which replace the provisions of existing legislation.
Further information on the role and responsibilities of the IPC can be found on the Infrastructure Planning Commission website.
For general telephone enquiries please ring the IPC on 0303 444 5000.
*Due to further legislative changes introduced under Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 from 1 April 2010 the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will be 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 will assume to former responsibilities of the Marine and Fisheries Agency) is expected to 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 202 3530 or 3572.
For further information on the role and responsibilities of the MMO (MFA) please send your request to Offshore.Renewables@mfa.gsi.gov.uk
09 November 2009 - National Policy Statements for Energy Infrastructure:
On 9 November 2009, the Government announced a consultation on a series of draft National Policy Statements to assist in energy infrastructure planning, and which will apply to nuclear, fossil fuels, renewables, transmission networks, and oil and gas pipelines. Once finalised and approved in 2010, they will be used by the Infrastructure Planning Commission to make decisions on applications for development consent for nationally significant energy infrastructure.
The consultation on the National Policy Statements will close on 22 February 2010. To find out more about the Statements and respond to the consultation, visit DECC’s Consultation on draft National Policy Statements for Energy Infrastructure web page.
16 October 2009 - Response on Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields:
The Government has published its response to the Stakeholder Advisory Group on Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (SAGE) First Interim Assessment: Power Lines and Property, Wiring in Homes and Electrical Equipment in Homes.
The Government response can be found on the Department of Health: Electromagnetic fields web page.
See also the Health Protection Agency: Electromagnetic Fields Services web pages.