Issued by the News
Distribution Service on behalf of The Infrastructure Planning Commission
The Infrastructure Planning Commission today announced the
first major infrastructure projects that it expects to receive as
applications. Five major wind farms and two new nuclear power
stations are included on the list, as well as a biomass power
plant, and two national grid connection projects (the initial
programme of projects is attached).
Sir Michael Pitt, Chair, speaking at an IPC event in Westminster,
said: “The IPC will ensure that the public knows which projects
are proposed for their areas as soon as these are confirmed to us.
“The projects we are highlighting today raise important issues
for the nation and for local communities and we want the public to
have confidence that their views will be heard. In every case
there will be an opportunity for an open floor hearing as part of
the IPC examination process.”
The IPC, currently in advice-giving mode, will start taking
applications from 1 March 2010. Where the relevant National Policy
Statement is in place, the IPC will decide applications. Where it
is not, the IPC will make recommendations to the Secretary of
State.
Sir Michael continued: “We expect many more proposals to follow
in the near future, as promoters begin to undertake the extensive
public consultation which they must carry out under the new
regime, before they can submit applications to the IPC.
“I would urge all members of the public affected by a project in
their area to find out more about the improved opportunities
created through the new regime, for them to have their say.”
Information for the public is available at the IPC’s website:
www.independent.gov.uk/infrastructure and leaflets are
available from the helpline: 0303 444 5000.
The new process places a duty upon promoters to consult widely
with local communities, and to investigate the potential impacts
of projects upon the local environment.
Local authorities play a vital role in the new process. Promoters
must consult the local authority about the best way to engage
local people in their consultation. Local authorities will also be
able to produce a Local Impact Report describing the likely
effects of the proposed development on the local area, for
consideration by the IPC.
Sir Michael concludes: “The bottom line is that the IPC will not
accept any application, where it considers that the consultation
process has been unsatisfactory or the community’s concerns have
not been addressed.”
The IPC’s Programme of Projects will be published and updated
regularly at:
www.independent.gov.uk/infrastructure
To view the list of anticipated initial projects, follow this
link:
Notes to Editors
Notes to Editors:
1. The Planning Act 2008 established the Infrastructure Planning
Commission (IPC), which is responsible for deciding significant
infrastructure planning applications.
2. The IPC was established on 1 October 2009, when it started to
give advice. It will begin to accept applications from 1 March
2010.
3. A non-departmental public body, the IPC operates within the
policy framework prescribed in the Planning Act secondary
legislation and the National Policy Statements.
4. It will make its decisions in accordance with National Policy
Statements, which themselves will be subject to public
consultation and parliamentary scrutiny.
5. The IPC will ensure fairer faster applications. The
Government’s Regulatory Impact Assessment estimates that the
overall benefits of the planning reforms could be on average £300
million per year.
6. The IPC will give reasons for its decisions, and account to
Ministers and Parliament for its performance. The relevant Select
Committee can call the Chair of the IPC before it to explain the
overall performance of the regime, and individual decisions.
Journalists wanting further information should contact:
Simon Holder, COI on: 020 7261 8342.
Tracey Page, Lindsey
Bennett, Stewart Willes - IPC Press on 0303 44 3199 / 0303 444
5082 / 0303 444 5083.
If you are calling on Thursday 22 October – please call the
following mobiles: 07812 098116 or 07976 496 609.
Contacts:
COI London
Phone: 020 7261 8325
Fax: 020 7261 8546
NPS17@coi.gsi.gov.uk