Pitt backs resources for councils faced with nationally significant projects

Sir Michael Pitt, chairman of the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), has told Parliament that planning authorities dealing with nationally significant projects such as ports, power stations and new reservoirs need resources to fulfil their role under the new planning regime.

Councils will require technical expertise to consider proposals to be determined by the IPC, he told MPs. “They will need resources to do this,” he said.

Sir Michael’s comments came when he was questioned by the Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee which has nearly concluded its inquiry into the suite of draft energy National Policy Statements (NPSs).

During cross-examination by the all-party committee, the commission chairman made it clear he was concerned at the use of planning performance agreements as a way of resourcing cash-strapped local authorities. He cited the controversy over the one negotiated between EDF Energy and the three Somerset councils affected by the company’s plans for a new-build nuclear station at Hinkley Point “This needs looking at,” he said.

Asked for the commission’s views on the draft NPSs, Sir Michael said the documents were “fit for purpose” although the IPC has made it clear that the wording could be improved. Like other interested parties the commission wants to see a clearer distinction between what is policy and what is guidance.

During an earlier session representatives from Natural England made it clear that the Government’s wildlife adviser was firmly against any further nuclear power station development at the existing Dungeness nuclear site on the Kent coast.

The nuclear industry, energy companies and the local authority have called for the site to be treated as a possible location for a new nuclear power plant.

Meanwhile, in a separate but related development, Communities and Local Government has published two key sets of guidance for the new planning arrangements. One details advice to the IPC on how its examinations will be carried out; the other deals with the regime for schemes which require the compulsory acquisition of land.

Access the suite of IPC guidance

The ECC Committee sessions are recorded on Parliament UK TV  

 

Roger Milne

4 February 2010