The Planning Process
Our Planning and Consultation Process
Calderdale Energy Park is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). As a result, we must complete a statutory consultation before submitting our Development Consent Order (DCO) application.
As part of the statutory process, we have published our Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC).
The SoCC explains:
- how we will consult with local residents, local authorities and other key organisations
- what information will be provided
- how people can get involved and share their views
You can view the SoCC in our online document library here.
NSIP applicants must consult all host and neighbouring authorities relevant to the project. Because the Calderdale Energy Park proposals include access routes and grid connection points beyond the main site, several authorities are considered as host authorities.
We are consulting the following as host authorities:
- Calderdale Council
- Bradford City Council
- Lancashire County Council
- Pendle Borough Council
During the non-statutory consultation, Burnley Borough Council was considered a host authority; however, changes to the project boundary mean it is now classified as a neighbouring authority. Burnley Borough Council will continue to be consulted as a neighbouring authority under the Planning Act 2008.
A DCO is the consent mechanism for NSIPs. It provides a structured, thorough planning process designed specifically for large and complex infrastructure projects, ensuring all elements are carefully examined.
Next Steps
Following the statutory consultation, we will:
- refine the project proposals
- prepare all documents required for the DCO application
- produce a comprehensive Consultation Report detailing all engagement undertaken, the feedback received and how this has been taken into account
Further information about the DCO process is available at:
https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/application-process/the-process.
CEP and the Local Environment
We have carried out extensive environmental and technical studies to understand the site and shape the design of Calderdale Energy Park. This work forms part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and is presented in a Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR).
Surveys and assessments completed so far cover key topics including peat and soils, hydrology and water quality, landscape and visual effects, ecology and ornithology, cultural heritage, noise and vibration, air quality, traffic and transport, population and human health, aviation and shadow flicker. These studies have been informed by site surveys, monitoring, modelling and consultation with statutory bodies.
Findings from this work have directly influenced the project design, including reducing the number of turbines, removing infrastructure from areas of deep peat, refining turbine and track locations, selecting trenchless construction methods where appropriate, and removing the Battery Energy Storage System from the proposals.
Environmental assessment and survey work is ongoing and will continue to inform further design refinement. All findings, mitigation measures and proposed management plans will be reported in full in the Environmental Statement that will accompany the Development Consent Order application.
Details of this environmental work, the assessment findings and proposed mitigation are set out in full in the Statutory Consultation Brochure and the accompanying Non- Technical Summary, which explain the work undertaken in an accessible way for all stakeholders.
Protecting the Peatlands
Peat is a defining and sensitive feature of the Calderdale Energy Park site, and extensive work has been undertaken to understand peat depth, condition and hydrology. Detailed peat probing, ground investigations and hydrological surveys have been carried out to inform the design and minimise disturbance to this important carbon- rich environment.
This work has directly influenced the refined layout of the project. Infrastructure has been moved away from areas of deeper peat wherever possible, turbine and track locations have been refined, and low-impact construction techniques such as floating tracks are proposed in suitable areas. A Peat Management Plan has also been developed to ensure peat is carefully handled, stored and reused on site, supporting restoration and long-term peatland recovery.
Full details of the peat surveys, assessment findings and proposed mitigation measures are set out in the Statutory Consultation Brochure and the accompanying Non-Technical Summary, which explain the approach and outcomes in more detail.
Get in touch
Community information line:
01422 702506
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Email us at:
info@calderdaleenergypark.co.uk
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Write to us:
Freepost CALDERDALE ENERGY PARK
Please note, no stamp or further address details are required