Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects in Nottinghamshire (NSIPs)
NSIPs are major infrastructure developments in England and Wales that are determined at a national level by the Secretary of State on the advice of a Planning Inspector.
These include proposals for power plants, large renewable energy projects, new airports and airport extensions, and major road projects.
Instead of applying to the local authority for Planning Permission, the developer must apply to the Planning Inspectorate for a different permission called a Development Consent Order (DCO).
We, along with the relevant District or Borough Councils, are a “host authority” and are required to consider applications and respond. The NSIP process has clear stages, with clear timetables:
- pre-application - the developer will be developing their proposals and will consult the public and technical bodies
- acceptance - the Planning Inspectorate has 28 days to decide whether the application meets the required standards to proceed to examination including whether the developer’s consultation has been adequate
- pre-examination - all those with interests can register to be kept informed of progress. The Examining Authority will hold a Preliminary Meeting and set the timetable for the examination
- examination - representations are made in writing and requests to speak at a public hearing. The Examining Authority has six months to carry out the examination
- decision - a recommendation to the Secretary of State will be issued by the Examining Authority within three months of the examination closing. The Secretary of State then has a further three months to issue a decision on the proposal
- post decision - there is the opportunity for legal challenge.
In Nottinghamshire, there are a number of NSIP applications at different stages in the process.
We as a host authority comment and advice and at examination stage submit a Local Impact Report (LIR) which the examiner must consider.
In light of our responsibilities, our LIR may cover the following matters: Planning (Minerals and Waste); Economic Development (investment & growth); Transport and Highways including Rights of Way; Local Flood issues; Heritage and Archaeology; Ecology; Public Health, Climate Change/Energy. Other matters will be covered by our District/Borough Councils in their Local Impact Reports.
The table below shows the current stage of each prospective and submitted NSIP application in Nottinghamshire:
|
Name of Project |
Applicant |
Proposal |
Stage |
Link to Further information and NCC Local Impact Report where submitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A46 Newark Bypass |
National Highways |
Widening and junction improvements between A1 and A46 |
Pre Application |
|
|
Cottam Solar Project |
Island Green Power |
Solar Generation, battery energy storage system, cabling |
Examination |
|
|
Gate Burton Energy Park |
Low Carbon |
Solar Generation, battery energy storage system, cabling |
Decision |
|
|
Great North Road Solar |
Elements Green Trent |
Solar Generation, battery energy storage system, cabling |
Pre Application |
|
|
North Humber – High Marnham |
National Grid |
Power Line |
Pre Application |
|
|
One Earth Solar Farm |
PS Renewables/ Orsted |
Solar Generation, battery energy storage system, cabling |
Pre Application |
|
|
Steeples |
RES |
Solar Generation, battery energy storage system, cabling |
Pre Application |
|
|
Tillbridge Solar |
Tribus Energy /Recurrent Energy |
Solar Generation, battery energy storage system, cabling |
Pre Application |
|
|
West Burton C |
EDF Enery |
Power Station |
Post Decision |
|
|
West Burton Solar Project |
Island Green |
Solar Generation, battery energy storage system, cabling |
Examination |
