The Planning Process
We announced our initial proposals for Calderdale Energy Park in September 2023. At that time, our proposals envisaged up to 65 wind turbines, alongside solar panels and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Over the last two years, we have revised our proposals and we are now proposing:
- Up to 41 wind turbines and their associated infrastructure, a reduction of 24 turbines from our initial proposals
- A battery energy storage system (BESS)
The Consenting Route
At the time of our initial proposals, we planned to submit a planning application to Calderdale Council under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA). However, the Government recently announced an intention through the draft “The Infrastructure Planning (Onshore Wind and Solar Generation) Order 2025” for all onshore wind projects over 100 MW to be classed as ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects’ (NSIPs). Once these regulations become law, Calderdale Energy Park must secure a Development Consent Order (DCO) from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to get consent.
Under the current timelines, it is expected that this will apply to all projects over the threshold submitted on or after 31 December 2025. The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has therefore recently designated the project as an NSIP pursuant to section 35 of the Planning Act 2008 (Planning Act), so that it can carry out the appropriate consultations in advance of these changes becoming law.
As Calderdale Energy Park would be in excess of 100MW, the consenting route has changed from an application under the TCPA to an NSIP application under the Planning Act. This means that Calderdale Council will not determine the application but will play an important role as a ‘host authority’ throughout the consenting process.
We are committed to continuing to engage and work with Calderdale Council as proposals for Calderdale Energy Park continue to evolve. The NSIP application must consult with all host authorities associated with the application. The application would also include proposed access routes and grid connection points. Therefore, we would also engage and consult with the following as host (or neighbouring) authorities:
- Bradford City Council
- Rochdale Borough Council
- Rossendale Borough Council
- Burnley Borough Council
- Pendle Borough Council
- Lancashire County Council
This will include consulting all host authorities on a draft Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC) which explains how we will consult with the local community during the required period of statutory consultation.
The NSIP process
The Planning Act process was introduced to streamline the decision-making process for major infrastructure projects.
DCO applications are examined independently by the Planning Inspectorate. After an examination of Calderdale Energy Park, the Planning Inspectorate will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, who will make the final decision. Host authorities also have an important role in identifying local impacts and will be asked to submit a Local Impact Report once the DCO application moves to the examination stage.
For more information about the planning process, please visit the Planning Inspectorate’s website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-infrastructure-planning-advice-notes
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
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