The government’s new electrification roadmap links grid infrastructure and development, but introduces no new planning permission or statutory consent rule.
Electrification roadmap puts grid planning in focus
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Environment & Rural News
Recent environment and rural planning news, including ecology, energy, agricultural and countryside development.
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Cardiff data centre call-in reported by Senedd members
Senedd members report ministerial intervention in Cardiff’s contested data centre application, but the formal direction and decision remain outstanding.
Sheffield woodland enforcement upheld after 1,374-tree order
Six linked Sheffield appeals leave three enforcement notices and a 1,374-tree replacement requirement standing after extensive woodland clearance.
Hayling Island appeals allow 89 homes despite flood test
Two Hayling Island schemes win permission for 89 homes despite a failed flood-risk sequential test, with coastal habitat mitigation secured.
Vanguard offshore wind secures £12bn financing
RWE and KKR complete £12bn Norfolk Vanguard funding and ownership arrangements, moving two consented offshore wind farms towards construction.
Landsul compulsory acquisition judgment upholds land powers
Planning Court upholds compulsory acquisition for the Cory carbon capture DCO and clarifies affected landowners’ hearing rights.
Botley West solar refusal blocks 840MW scheme
Ministers refuse the 840 MW Botley West scheme in Oxfordshire, with questions over landscape, heritage and aviation impacts.
Ardleigh annexe appeal allows rural home under NPPF
An Inspector allows an Essex annexe conversion under new countryside policy, but refuses to treat the home as secured self-build.
Pig farm enforcement quashed with full costs award
Norfolk pig sheds become lawful as an enforcement appeal succeeds, while a separate planning appeal fails and the council faces full costs.
Walpole converter station contract awarded to BAM
National Grid appoints BAM for its proposed Walpole converter station, while the EGL3 and EGL4 development consent application awaits acceptance.
Grey belt appeal allows 51 affordable homes in St Helens
Inspector allows 51 affordable homes in St Helens after rejecting parts of the council’s housing land supply and finding the site qualifies as grey belt.
Hertsmere data centre delayed over water and costs
Councillors deferred Ark’s proposed Hertsmere data centre campus, seeking further water supply evidence, design answers and Section 106 discussions.
Lewis Hub construction starts on 1.8GW grid link
Main construction has begun at the Lewis Hub near Stornoway, advancing the Western Isles’ proposed 1.8GW transmission connection.
Dengie solar park enters EIA scoping for 1GW scheme
Maldon Council is reviewing environmental scoping for a proposed 1GW Essex solar park before public consultation and a possible DCO application.
DataVita power plans: grid supply already in DV4 filing
DataVita’s Chapelhall filing already specifies grid supply, despite earlier private-wire promotion of the wider AI Growth Zone.
Hornsea Three guarantee renewed for land acquisition
Ministers approve revised compensation security for Hornsea Three’s compulsory acquisition powers, replacing a 2023 guarantee without granting new development consent.
Carrington relief road wins narrow Trafford vote
Trafford councillors back the £130m Carrington relief road by seven votes to six, potentially unlocking 5,000 homes and substantial employment land.
Bexley battery appeal allows 200MW Green Belt scheme
A 200 MW battery scheme wins permission in Bexley’s Green Belt after an Inspector identifies very special circumstances despite landscape harm.
Class Q fallback fails in Devon
An expired Class Q approval could not justify four new rural homes after the Inspector found countryside harm and an unrealistic conversion fallback.
Parc Adfer approval backs £200m carbon capture plan
Flintshire councillors have backed a £200m carbon capture scheme at Parc Adfer, following an October deferral over cross-border consultation.
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