SPEN calls for fast-tracked planning regime

SP Energy Networks (SPEN) is calling for changes to planning regimes both sides of the Scottish-English border to fast-track infrastructure projects.

Speaking to Utility Week, the company’s head of regulation & policy, network regulation Stephanie Anderson also called for more alignment between the Scottish planning system and the regime in England and Wales.

She raised concerns about the need to increase the B6 boundary (the English and Scottish border) transfer capacity from 6.6GW to 40GW by 2040.

Planning decisions in Scotland are granted through the Section 37 Consent process, while in England the decisions are made via the Planning Inspectorate’s Development Consent Order (DCO) process.

Anderson said that both processes need reforming. “In general both regimes, even though they are different, are still nowhere near the timelines that we need to actually get these projects through to meet the 2030 targets,” she said.

Anderson pointed to the fact that under the Scottish rules, decisions can take many years compared to the system in England and Wales, which generally takes around 15 months from application to decision.

She added: “Ultimately, it’s the speed and certainty over timescales we are concerned with. The Section 37 process (under the Electricity Act) provides no certainty on the timescales to reach a decision, unlike the existing DCO process in the south. We don’t really mind how we get there or what changes are required to make it happen.

“But the speed of decision making is really key because with transmission in particular, on average, it can take up to seven years to get planning consent. Schemes of this nature may require a public inquiry which adds to the open ended nature of the decision making process in Scotland. Our transmission project delivery programmes dictate the decisions need to be made within one year.”

One solution being suggested by SPEN to fast-track the consenting process is to implement a Mandatory Single Examination in Public (MSEP).

This would remove duplication in decision making and excessive timescales, while maintaining an appropriate consideration of the relevant issues and public scrutiny.

Anderson added: “We’ve actually got four joint projects with National Grid across the border. So that’s going to be really tricky when you’re dealing with two different planning regimes, north and south of the border, for the same project.

“That’s just an example where it would be helpful to have a bit more alignment.”