Advice to Chris Banks

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Enquiry

From
Chris Banks
Date advice given
19 September 2014
Enquiry type
Phone

Query regarding National Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) thresholds for electrical line schemes. Would a scheme over 2km long, with a nominal voltage of 33kv, meet the desired thresholds for an NSIP?

Advice given

The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) advised that section 16 of the Planning Act 2008 sets out the criteria for an electric line scheme to qualify as an NSIP. Section 16(3) states that an above ground electric line scheme must have a minimum nominal voltage of132 kilovolts or more and be 2 kilmeteres or more in length. PINS advised that as the scheme only meets one of these critiera, it would not qualify to be an NSIP.

The Planning Inspectorate also advises it is prudent to seek your own legal advice when deciding if a scheme qualifies to be an NSIP.