Local Authority Bulletins

The profile of our consenting work has risen over the last few years since it plays a critical role in helping to deliver Government Net Zero commitments.

Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) play a crucial role in the section 37 consenting process: we come to you seeking your advice and recommendations on applications, especially regarding environmental, archaeological or heritage impacts the projects might have.

There is a legislative requirement – the Electricity Act 1989 - for us to consult with LPAs and for them to provide a response. However, we appreciate that when we make these requests, or if the Distribution Network Operators do this, it is not always clear what we are asking LPAs to do and what their role is.

To address this, we are currently assessing our processes and making enhancements to our IT platform. We really want LPAs to be a part of this work.

We will be holding an Eventbrite event in on Thursday 20^th April. where we will explain who we are, what we do, why LPAs are so important to the consenting process and the improvements we are currently considering.

You can sign up to attend the event by visiting the Eventbrite page here.¹

It would be great to see as many representatives from LPAs there as possible, however, we know just how busy everyone one is, so we will record the workshop and make it available post-event for those who cannot be in attendance. Invites will be sent out for this shortly.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. We look forward to seeing you on 20^th April. If you have any questions, please get in touch using the details provided below. 

John McKenna
Head of Network consents
Energy Infrastructure Planning Delivery team
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
E-mail: john.mckenna@beis.gov.uk²
T: 07920 150 513

1. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/planning-advisory-service-pas-events-3927570883
2. mailto:john.mckenna@beis.gov.uk