Programme

What is a NSIP?

Under the Planning Act 2008, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) are large projects that fall into five general categories (Energy, Transport, Water, Waste Water, and Waste). As our plans would generate more than 50 megawatts of power, East Park Energy is classified as a NSIP.

In order to be built, NSIPs apply for planning permission through the Development Consent Order (DCO) process. All DCO applications are subject to detailed scrutiny by an independent panel of inspectors appointed by the Planning Inspectorate, whilst the final decision rests with the Government. In the case of East Park Energy, our future application will be decided by the Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Whilst local councils do therefore not have the final say on the outcome of our future application, they are involved throughout the DCO process and have an important role.

For more information on the DCO application process, please visit the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

FIND OUT MORE

Project timeline

  • Oct-Nov 2023

    Non-statutory consultation

    We held a consultation with stakeholders and the local community proposals to share our initial plans and to gather early feedback.

  • Autumn 2024

    Statutory consultation

    After considering feedback received at the non-statutory consultation and further technical assessments, we will present our refined proposals to stakeholders and the local community at a statutory consultation in the autumn. During the consultation we’ll hold a series of four public consultation events where you can learn more about our proposals and speak to our team. The exact timing and location of these events will be announced shortly.

  • Early 2025

    Application submission

    We expect to submit a DCO application to the Planning Inspectorate in early 2025. The Planning Inspectorate will then judge if our application can proceed to the next stage.

  • Spring 2025

    Pre-examination

    Once our application is accepted, members of the public can register as an ‘Interested Party’ and take part in the Examination process, including by submitting written and/or oral comments. An independent panel will be appointed to carry out an Examination of our application.

  • 2025

    Examination

    The panel will examine our application and feedback received. During this stage, there will be public hearings that members of the public can register to attend.

  • Early 2026

    Recommendation

    The independent panel will prepare a report for the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, which will include a recommendation as to whether to grant our DCO application or not.

  • Mid 2026

    Decision

    The Secretary of State will have the final say on our application.

  • 2026 onwards

    Construction

    If our DCO application is successful, we will then begin to build the project.

Get in touch

Call us on the community information line:
0808 258 5991

(Line open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm)

Email us:
info@eastparkenergy.co.uk

Write to us:
Freepost EAST PARK ENERGY

(Please note, no stamp or further address details are required)