Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

We aim to work proactively with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) promoters from the early stages of project development to ensure potential impacts are understood and addressed. We have significant experience of major infrastructure projects and can provide expert local knowledge and professional engagement throughout all stages of the Development Consent Order (DCO) process.

NSIPs place significant resource demands on local authorities who are a statutory consultee throughout the DCO process. From 8 June 2026, host local authorities have the legal power to recover reasonable costs for the provision of services in relation to NSIPs to ensure they are properly resourced and can effectively fulfil their responsibilities in respect of NSIPs. This provides a mechanism for local authorities to charge fees for relevant services in relation to NSIP proposals affecting their administrative area. 

This statement sets out the fees and describes the relevant services in respect of which fees are charged by us as required by The Infrastructure Planning (Fees) Regulations 2010, as amended by The Infrastructure Planning (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 and The Infrastructure Planning (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026. 

Fee structure 

We will initially seek to agree a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) with developers at the earliest opportunity to formalise cost recovery arrangements, and establish a clear, mutually agreed, robust framework for engagement throughout the project lifecycle. Regardless of whether a PPA is in place, we will seek to recover reasonable costs incurred, on a full cost recovery basis, applying standard hourly rates for relevant services based on the actual time spent by officers on a project. 

We charge an hourly rate of £130 (excluding VAT) which will be invoiced quarterly or in accordance with the terms set out in a PPA. The rate is index-linked and adjusted to account for inflation in April each year. Legal costs and any external specialist expertise will be set out separately as required. 

In addition, we will apply our standard fees for statutory services where separate charging schedules exist, including the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), Heritage Services, and Highways. Upon request, we can provide estimated fees, for the purpose of cost recovery, covering the lifecycle of the project. For further information please email nsips@lincolnshire.gov.uk.