Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Accepted
Explicitly support the use of conditional commencement mechanisms within EN-7 or its guidance.
Conclusion
We also recommend that EN-7, or the accompanying guidance, explicitly support the use of conditional commencement mechanisms (also known as Grampian conditions). These would allow consent to be granted while restricting the start of specified works until relevant licences or authorisations are secured. (Recommendation, Paragraph 32)
Government Response Summary
The government judges that explicitly supporting conditional commencement mechanisms in the National Policy Statement (NPS) is not required because these mechanisms, such as Grampian-type requirements, are already in use in nuclear projects when deemed beneficial.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We recognise the benefits of using conditional commencement mechanisms within the planning framework for complex sites such as nuclear energy stations. These mechanisms are already used in nuclear projects when deemed beneficial. Hinkley Point C required upgrades to local roads and transport infrastructure to facilitate construction traffic. The DCO included requirements that specific highway improvements and transport mitigations had to be in place ahead of construction. As these Grampian- type requirements are already in place throughout various DCOs across the nuclear sector we judge that explicitly supporting their use in the NPS is not required. We can look at this again during future reviews of EN-7 and amend if deemed necessary.