Workshop 2 b Working with the IPC Guidance

Workshop 2 b Working with the IPC: Guidance and issues for promoters

Workshop 2 b Working with the IPC: Guidance and Issues for Promoters A guide for promoters through the IPC’s processes from pre-application to decision.

The Aims of the IPC – improve the decision making process – provide a service that is Efficient Transparent Independent Customer focussed with promoters consultees, and others, at the heart of our delivery service

New Duty for Promoters The IPC will have an active role in advising potential applicants, statutory bodies and others about the requirements and processes of the new regime.

Rules governing the IPC By law, the IPC cannot advise promoters or others on the merits of individual proposals as this would undermine its impartiality. However IPC actively encourage early engagement to shape applications into the best possible state at submission.

Clear Framework for Engagement The Planning Act 2008, and associated regulations, specify the statutory consultees: – local authorities; – pubic bodies; and – agencies The Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedures) Regulations 2009 Schedule 1

Promoters need to work closely with Local Authorities and communities Promoters have a duty to consult under Sections 42 -43 of the Act Promoters will need detailed technical input from expert bodies IPC will advise on processes and procedures for applications for development consent

Wide consultation The new process places a duty upon promoters to consult widely with local communities, and to investigate the potential impacts of projects upon the local environment, long before the IPC receives an application.

Before promoters submit they must – Notify the IPC of the proposed application. – Consult and have regard to the views of relevant local authorities and statutory bodies (as defined in the Planning Act and secondary legislation). – Consult and have regard to the views of anyone with an interest in the land relating to the proposed application. – Consult and have regard to the views of relevant local authorities on a statement of community consultation. – Publicise the statement of community consultation, carry out consultation and have regard to any views received. – Publicise the proposed application.

Provision of information to promoters We are currently able to provide potential promoters with environmental impact assessment (EIA) screening and scoping opinions as well as decisions on requesting authorisation for the right to seek information about ownership or interest in land to enter land for the purposes of carrying out surveys.

Essential to work closely with Local Authorities – Local authorities play a vital role in the new process. – They will advise applicants about the best way to engage with their local communities and produce a report for consideration by the IPC. – Las will highlight their views of the quality and extent of consultation undertaken. – The bottom line is that the IPC will not accept any application, where it considers that the consultation process has been unsatisfactory.

Working with the IPC – When do we expect initial engagement with the IPC (encourage as early as possible) – Consultation : SOCC encourage early discussion with Local Authorities on methods and extent of engagement – Share information as early as possible with communities – openness and transparency are key

Application submissions – Preparation and Organisation of materials – Requirement for paper and electronic copies – Will be issuing further guidance to enable promoters to properly prepare submissions.

Working practices IPC will – Provide named contacts to guide promoters through the processes and procedures. – Approach the process through a project team including Planning, Legal and EIA advice on processes as well as administrative guidance.

Feedback: the next steps – Build working relationships with promoters – Workshops to aid understanding of the issues – Issue guidelines – Seek to understand what measures will support promoters through the process

Working with the IPC Guidance and Issues for promoters Any questions?