Maldon Council is reviewing environmental scoping for a proposed 1GW Essex solar park before public consultation and a possible DCO application.
Dengie solar park enters EIA scoping for 1GW scheme
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Development Consent Order News
Planning Geek news, appeal decisions and policy developments concerning development consent order.
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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.
NSIP biodiversity gain now mandatory for new DCOs
The 10% biodiversity gain requirement now applies to new infrastructure DCO applications in England, changing evidence, land and habitat management obligations.
Mersey tidal barrage corridor proposed
A preferred Bromborough to Otterspool corridor is recommended for the Mersey tidal barrage, with a decision due on 6 November.
Sea Link consent granted for Suffolk-Kent power cable
Government grants development consent for a 2GW offshore electricity connection between Suffolk and Kent, with onshore converter infrastructure at both ends.
Frodsham Solar wins consent despite Green Belt harm
Ministers approve Frodsham Solar in Cheshire despite substantial Green Belt harm, after revised bird mitigation and tighter compulsory acquisition powers.
Data centre planning: draft NPS sets 100MW test
Draft national policy proposes a 100MW test for major data centres while retaining important Green Belt, power and environmental safeguards.
Great North Road Solar wins consent for 800MW scheme
Great North Road Solar secures development consent for an 800MW Nottinghamshire scheme combining photovoltaic generation, battery storage and grid infrastructure.
DCO requirements move to new government unit in November
New government guidance transfers key post-consent decisions for nuclear and electricity transmission projects to a central unit from November.
Heathrow consultation opens on 3,500m third runway
Heathrow’s new third-runway consultation runs to 22 December, with proposals for a 3,500m runway, terminal changes, M25 works and property policies.
Nature finance plan targets landowners and developers
Defra’s new England policy paper explores nature investment, combined environmental payments and what the proposals mean for developers and landowners.
Heathrow expansion: new limits on private talks
The Department for Transport has restricted private lobbying over Heathrow expansion policy after consultation closed, while keeping technical engagement possible.
Lime Down solar park examination closes
The examination of Wiltshire’s proposed 500MW Lime Down solar project has closed, but consent awaits a ministerial decision expected in 2027.
Cearn solar farm: council challenges national control
Vale councillors challenge the national decision process for a proposed 2,800-acre solar scheme, with no development consent application yet submitted.
New ports policy replaces 2012 framework
The revised framework now guides nationally significant port proposals in England and reserved trust ports in Wales.
Late NSIP changes: guidance clarifies examination route
The Inspectorate directs applicants to existing government guidance when changes emerge near the end of major infrastructure examinations.
Steeple Renewables 450MW solar plan wins consent
Nottinghamshire solar and battery development secures national consent, with fresh government figures showing a revised balance of generation and storage.
MoD radar objections put four wind farms under pressure
MoD radar objections raise fresh questions for four proposed wind farms, as Hope Moor and other projects face defence safeguarding scrutiny.
Green Hill Solar Farm wins consent for 500MW scheme
Green Hill Solar Farm has secured development consent for a 500MW scheme across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes, following a six-month examination.
LionLink interconnector: 2GW plan keeps NSIP route
Ministers confirm LionLink’s larger export capacity and revised Suffolk substation arrangements remain within its existing nationally significant infrastructure direction.
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