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Energy developments

Details of the council’s approach to determining planning applications for energy and energy-related developments. It identifies what types of applications are determined by the council and which ones are determined at the national level by the Planning Inspectorate. It also provides details of energy developments approved or pending determination in the East Riding.

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Does the council have a planning policy on proposed energy developments?

Yes. The Local Plan Update, which is used to determine planning applications in the East Riding includes Policy EC5: Supporting the renewable and low carbon energy sector.

The policy identifies how applications for energy developments will be determined and cross references to important considerations such as:

  • local amenity
  • landscape character
  • biodiversity
  • the historic environment
  • transport
  • telecommunications and other networks
  • flood risk, and
  • the function and condition of the land (e.g. whether it is best and most versatile agricultural land).

The policy was prepared in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Are all energy applications determined by the council?

No. Larger-scale applications that are classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) are determined by the Planning Inspectorate. NSIPs are large-scale major development projects in England or Wales, which fall into the following categories:

  • energy
  • transport
  • waste
  • waste water
  • water.

They can be projects such as:

  • power generating stations, offshore wind farms, electricity lines
  • new roads, railway lines, airports
  • hazardous waste facilities
  • waste-water treatment plants
  • reservoirs.

Under the Planning Act 2008, energy developments are considered NSIPs if they meet or exceed the following thresholds:

  • Electricity generation: Projects generating more than 50 megawatts (MW) onshore or 100 MW offshore
  • Electric lines: Projects involving overhead lines at or above 132 kilovolts (kV)
  • Underground gas storage: Facilities with a working capacity of at least 43 million standard cubic metres
  • Liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities: With a storage capacity of at least 43 million standard cubic metres
  • Gas reception facilities: With a throughput capacity of at least 4.5 million standard cubic metres per day
  • Oil and gas pipelines: Over 16.093 km (10 miles) in length and with a diameter of more than 800mm.

If a project meets these thresholds, it must go through the Development Consent Order (DCO) process, which is managed by the Planning Inspectorate and ultimately decided by the relevant Secretary of State.

What is the council’s role in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)?

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is either a ‘host authority’ where the application is within our area, or a ‘neighbouring local authority’ where the application is within an adjacent local authority. As a host local authority, our responsibilities span several stages of the process and include both statutory and advisory functions.

The key elements include:

Pre-Application Stage

  • Engagement: The local authority is encouraged to engage proactively with the applicant to provide local insights and help shape the proposal early on.
  • Scoping and Consultation: They may be consulted on the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and are involved in the applicant’s statutory consultation with the community.

Acceptance and Pre-Examination Stages

  • Adequacy of Consultation: The local authority submits a statement on whether the applicant’s consultation was adequate.
  • Local Impact Report (LIR): They prepare and submit a Local Impact Report, which outlines the likely effects of the project on the local area. This is a key document considered during examination.

Examination Stage

  • Participation: The authority can participate in hearings, submit written representations, and respond to questions from the Examining Authority.
  • Expertise: They may provide technical input on matters such as transport, environment, and community impacts.

Post-decision Stage

  • Discharging Requirements: If the project is approved, the local authority may be responsible for discharging certain requirements (similar to planning conditions).
  • Monitoring and Enforcement: They may also monitor compliance with the Development Consent Order (DCO) and take enforcement action if necessary

What Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects are currently being considered in the East Riding?

All Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects can be found on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

Currently, the applications being considered in the East Riding are:

Project nameApplicant name
Aldbrough Hydrogen StorageAldbrough Hydrogen Storage Limited
Dogger Bank D Wind FarmDogger Bank Offshore Wind Farm Project 4 Projco Limited
Dogger Bank South Offshore Wind FarmsRWE Renewables UK Dogger Bank South (West) Ltd and RWE Renewables UK Dogger Bank South (East) Ltd
Humber Carbon Capture PipelineNet Zero North Sea Storage Limited
Humberhead Solar LimitedHumberhead Solar Limited
Kingfisher Solar FarmOrsted Onshore UK Ltd
Mylen Leah Solar FarmMylen Leah Solar Limited
North Humber to High MarnhamNational Grid Electricity Transmission
Peartree Hill Solar FarmRWE Renewables UK Solar and Storage Limited

Can I view a map of energy developments in the East Riding?

Yes, we have prepared an online location map of energy and energy-related developments in the East Riding. Data is provided on the type of application, the potential power output and dates of decisions and completion where known.

The map also includes details on individual wind turbines.

Online map of energy and energy-related developments

Please note: the development features show the existing or potential extent of the built overground development. Underground cables or infrastructure are not shown so the individual features on the map may not reflect the full extent of the application site boundary area. The information provided on the map is presented in good faith to illustrate the general number and type of energy-related developments. Whilst care has been taken to make sure it is accurate as possible, it does not replace the planning register or supersede any decisions made on planning applications by the local planning authority or the planning inspectorate. East Riding of Yorkshire Council accept no liability for any errors or omissions.

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