Major infrastructure projects in energy, transport, water, waste, and waste water may be classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) under the Planning Act 2008.
These large-scale projects require approval through a Development Consent Order (DCO) from the Secretary of State rather than a traditional planning application.
How does the process work?
Applications for NSIPs are submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, which examines the proposal and makes a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who makes the final decision.
The process from submission to determination typically takes around 15 months.
Find out more about the NSIP process on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.
Our role
As a host authority, Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) works alongside district councils to ensure that local communities, businesses, and the environment are considered.
Projects in Lincolnshire
View NSIP projects where LCC is a host authority
Statutory Consultee
We are formally consulted on NSIP applications and contribute throughout the process, from pre-application to examination and post-consent. Our key responsibilities include:
- Submitting a Local Impact Report to outline how a project affects Lincolnshire
- Providing written representations and responding to Planning Inspectorate questions
- Participating in Examination Hearings
Our Local Impact Report will cover our areas of responsibility and where we have expertise, including (but not limited to) the following matters:
- Planning (Minerals and Waste)
- Economic Development including agricultural land
- Transport and Highways including Rights of Way
- Local Flood issues
- Heritage and Archaeology
- Ecology
- Public Health
- Climate Change/Energy
Other matters will be covered by our District/Borough Councils in their Local Impact Reports.
More information on the role of local authorities in the NSIP process.
Discharge of Requirements
Similar to planning conditions, some DCOs require developers to seek approval from LCC for specific details before construction can begin.
Have Your Say
Before submitting their application, the project promoter must consult the community.
Promoters usually advertise their consultations in local newspapers, dedicated websites, and/or by sending letters or flyers to nearby residents. The promoter will also send notifications to statutory consultees which include the parish, district and county councils.
The materials will include contact details and instructions on how to respond to the consultation. There is usually more than one consultation so you can view the proposals at an early stage and then more formally once more information is available.
Once a project is listed on the Planning Inspectorate’s website you can search for the project and sign up for email updates on the progress of the application.
If you want to participate in the examination of an NSIP, you will need to sign up for updates, as the promoter will notify you about key events and deadlines. You must register to have your say at the pre-examination stage.
To find out more about having your say on NSIPs, including how to access the registration page for making comments, please read the Planning Inspectorate's Having Your Say guide.
More information can be found about participating in an NSIP on the Planning Inspectorate’s website about participating in the process.
Discharge of requirement applications
Following a Development Consent Order (DCO) being made, a number of requirements may need to be discharged. The Discharging Authority will be specified in the DCO. This note sets out the information required by Lincolnshire County Council as part of the Discharge of Requirement (DoR) process.
Where Lincolnshire County Council is the Discharging Authority, please note the following:
Application Reference
All correspondence must clearly include the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) EN reference number associated with your project. This EN number is issued when the project is registered with PINS.
Email Submissions
All documentation, queries and formal submissions relating to Discharge of Requirements must be sent to our dedicated inbox: NSIPS@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
Payment
Payment for a Discharge of Requirements application is currently accepted via BACS only. The application fee for each Requirement or sub-Requirement will be set out in the DCO. We recommend confirming the correct fee with the Council’s Infrastructure Planning team before submitting your application to avoid delays. BACS payment details are available on request via the email above.
Note: Processing of DoR applications will only begin once full payment has been confirmed by the Council’s Income team.
Timescales for Determination
The timescales for determination of Discharge of Requirements applications are set out in the DCO. Requests for further information, either from Lincolnshire County Council or Relevant Consultees, may affect the determination timescale. Any changes to the determination date will be communicated clearly to the applicant during the process.
NSIP News
For information on how the Council has responded to developers and government regarding certain NSIP proposals please visit the following pages:
- It’s a pylon pile-on!
Councillors shocked at National Grids plans to run a string of huge pylons along the Lincolnshire coast. - County Views winter 2024 - Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects
In this winter survey, we're also asking about your views on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) like pylons and solar parks in the county (CLOSED). - Two more huge solar farms ‘a slap in the face’ for Lincolnshire
County Councillor Colin Davie has reacted to the government’s announcements today that applications for both the Heckington Fen Solar Park and the West Burton Solar Project, have been granted consent.