Advice to Joan Girling
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- From
- Joan Girling
- Date advice given
- 21 April 2020
- Enquiry type
FAO Michele Gregory SZC Case Manager Dear Michele, I have looked at the PINS website for a better understanding of what will happen when EDFE submit their DCO for Sizewell C knowing that it could be imminent. I fully understand the Inspectorate will have 28 days to accept or reject the application. My first question is will the DCO application documents be available to members of the public at that stage ? Secondly if PINS accept the application while the country is still under "lock down" would the Inspectorate have the ability to hold the examination stage part of the process in abeyance until as such time as it could be held in normal circumstances ? This question arises because many people fell intimidated by technology and in the spirit of openness and transparency is it something which may be considered? Joan Girling
Advice given
Dear Joan Girling Thank you for your email. I can confirm that should the application be accepted the Planning Inspectorate will publish all the application documents on the project page of the National Infrastructure Planning website as soon as practicable. These will be available under the ‘Documents’ tab. See link below: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/eastern/sizewell-c-new-nuclear-power-station/?ipcsection=overview As you know the Applicant would then advertise the Relevant Representation period when those who wish to fully participate in the Examination must register to become an Interested Party. EDF have indicated that this period would be extended beyond the statutory 30 days minimum to allow everyone more time to read the documents through the summer months and submit their views during the Pre-examination period, there is no statutory timeframe for this period. Once the six month Examination period starts registered Interested Parties can then submit further Written Representations to expand on those views. Further information about the requirements for registering as an Interested Party can be found in the Planning Inspectorate’s Advice Note 8.2: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Advice-note-8-2v3.pdf Further information about the content of Interested Parties Written Representations can be found in the Planning Inspectorate’s Advice Note 8.4: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Advice-note-8-4v3.pdf The Planning Inspectorate recognises the constraints for all parties during these unprecedented times and is always mindful of the need to ensure both openness and fairness for all parties. The Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation is under constant review and the Planning Inspectorate’s website provides guidance which is reviewed and updated regularly: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-planning-inspectorate-guidance I hope the above information answers your queries. Kind regards Michele Gregory Sizewell C Case Team National Infrastructure Planning