Transmission Networks Short Life Working Group: consenting timescales review - September 2023

3. Purpose of this Report

3.1 To meet the challenges of delivering net zero targets, the existing planning and consenting timeframes need to be accelerated to allow for decisions to be made within a year from the date the application is submitted. The SLWG has examined the existing regime and, through stakeholder engagement at the Accelerating Consenting for Electricity Network Conference, explored the opportunities to streamline and make efficiencies, with the aim of reducing the timeframe for decisions.

3.2 Based on the forecast of grid projects coming forward between now and 2030 from SSEN and SPEN, and in the context of the energy transition, determination timescales for section 37 projects need to be accelerated. It is considered by SSEN and SPEN that a maximum of one year from the date of the application being submitted, to final determination (inclusive of public inquiry process) is necessary to meet the 2030 targets. There are a number of stages in the process undertaken by transmission operators to identify the route of new overhead line grid infrastructure and the process to obtain the subsequent consents. These stages can be summarised in the Figure 2 below. The first consultation by the transmission operator is at an early stage, at the corridor/route/alignment selection stage. The transmission operator will undertake public consultation and consult with statutory consultees at this early stage. Further consultation by the transmission operator is at pre-application stage. Once an application is submitted, a consultation is undertaken by the relevant authority determining the application, to invite comments from statutory consultees, other parties who have an interest, community groups and the wider public.

Figure 2: Stages to identify the route of a new overhead line grid infrastructure

3.3 This report identifies opportunities to meet this one-year determination timeframe by reviewing existing practices and, proposing revised practices across relevant stakeholders, including transmission operators, planning authorities, statutory consultees, Planning and Environmental Appeals Division ("DPEA") and the ECU of the Scottish Government.

3.4 Each of the above stages by transmission operators and the existing practices by stakeholders requires to be explored and reviewed to identify where efficiencies can be made to streamline the process from inception to construction. The stakeholders at the Accelerating Consenting for Electricity Network Conference identified the key barriers for the consenting process stage as:

• Consenting timescales – collective responsibility from all parties to think and do things differently to support the consenting and delivery of 2030 renewable targets and their supporting grid infrastructure.
• Resourcing – conference feedback highlighted that this is a significant concern from both planning authorities and statutory consultees.

3.5 In order to deliver the ASTI projects by 2030 all aspects of the project development, consenting and delivery programs are required to be accelerated. Indicative acceleration requirements are identified in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Indicative acceleration requirements for each stage