Development consent has been given to modify up to two of the coal-fired generating units (known as Units 5 and 6) at Drax Power Station, Selby, to become gas-powered generating plant. The proposed Project comprises up to four new combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT) (up to two for Unit 5 and up to two for Unit 6), each powering a dedicated generator of up to 600MW in capacity. The project is located at the Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire.
The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Drax Power Ltd on the 29 May 2018 and accepted for examination on 26 June 2018. Following an examination during which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, a recommendation was made to the Secretary of State on 4 July 2019.
The Planning Inspectorate is committed to giving local communities the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in the 6 month long examination. The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to local views before making their recommendation.
The Planning Inspectorate's Chief Executive, Sarah Richards said:
"This is another example of The Planning Inspectorate demonstrating its ability to examine Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) within timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008."
"The certainty of knowing when a decision can be expected provides developers and investors with the confidence to build and improve the infrastructure this country needs to secure future economic growth."
It is the 78th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project to be examined and decided and brings the total of energy projects to 52.
The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation is publicly available on the National Infrastructure Planning website
