Rynd Smith, lead on the examining panel representing the Planning Inspectorate has confirmed Scottish Power’s failure to effectively announce the Preliminary Meetings & Hearings for the DCO’s EA1N & EA2 in accordance with the Planning Act
The applicant Scottish Power Renewables should have advertised/promoted details and dates for these meetings through the required channels at least 21 days prior to the start date as set out by the examiners.
Mr Smith lead examiner stated in a letter emailed to registered parties:
“…EPR Rule 13(6) provides that unless the Examining authority otherwise directs, the applicant must post certain press, public and site notices of hearings, not later than 21 days before the date fixed for the commencement of hearings. It has come to the ExA’s attention that that Applicant has not provided the requisite press, public and site notices to meet the specified 21-day period…”
The examiners are experiencing first hand failure by Scottish Power, similar failure to numerous failures highlighted by residents/stakeholders throughout the consultation stages.
This oversight will enhance the strong local feeling that Scottish Power cannot and should not be trusted to be given the go-ahead for these proposals. Proposals that represent unprecedented threats to the protected landscape of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB and the embattled village of Friston.
If you feel aggrieved by this or that this failure has impacted on your ability to engage effectively in the examination please contact My Rynd Smith:
EastAngliaOneNorth@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
EastAngliaTwo@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
News Added – 11/03/2020
