Consultation: National Policy Statements on energy and ports

24 Nov 2009

Although the responsibility for the planning system in Wales generally has been devolved to the National Assembly for Wales, planning for major energy and harbour infrastructure that is considered 'nationally significant' still remains within the remit of Westminster.

The 2008 Planning Act introduced a new system for dealing with applications to build such nationally significant infrastructure facilities in England and Wales. A new independent body, the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) will examine and decide applications for major new infrastructure development. The IPC will base its decisions on individual planning applications on the relevant 'National Policy Statements' (NPS). If the proposed development is in accordance with the relevant National Policy Statement, and the promoter has undertaken a programme of consultation with local communities before the application is lodged, then consent is likely.

If you want to influence decisions on future applications for developments such as large wind farms, port developments or a possible nuclear power station in your area, you should get involved in the consultation on the relevant National Policy Statements.

Consultations are currently open on the following documents:

• Overarching National Energy Infrastructure Policy
• Renewable Energy Generation
• Fossil Fuel Power Stations
• Gas Supply Infrastructure, Gas and Oil Pipelines
• Electricity Networks
• Nuclear Power Stations
• Ports

The closing dates for the current batch of NPS consultations are 15th February 2010 for the ports NPS and 22nd February 2010 for all of the energy NPSs.

More information on National Policy Statements and links to the consultation documents are available on www.nationalpolicystatements.org.uk.