Energy Review Implementation: Updating the electricity generating stations and overhead lines inquiry procedure rules in England and Wales - consultation

Starting Date: 09-11-06

Closing Date: 01-02-07

In the 2006 Energy Review Report The Energy Challenge, the Government committed to reforming the planning system to attract investment in low carbon technologies, by reducing risk and uncertainty for developers whilst maintaining the openness and fairness of the current system.

As part of these commitments, the Government promised to introduce new inquiry rules for applications to construct large power stations and overhead lines under the Electricity Act.

The improved new rules will make inquiries more streamlined, with more certainty of process and timeline and make participation easier.

The new rules will take account of the relevant best practice introduced by Government in 2005 for major projects granted consent under the Town and Country Planning Act (Major Infrastructure Project Inquiries Procedures) (England) Rules.

These rules will also take advantage of powers created in the Energy Act 2004, which allow the Secretary of State, in an appropriate case, to appoint additional inspectors to report to the lead inspector.

This consultation details the proposed new inquiry rules for applications under the Electricity Act.

We are seeking views on the:

1) proposed new rules
2) partial regulatory impact assessment
3) accompanying draft guidance for participants.

In order to complete this commitment, new inquiry procedure rules will be required to be made under section 9 of the Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992. The new rules will replace the existing Electricity Generating Stations and Overhead Lines (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1990.

Consultation Documents

Consultation Responses

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