Development process

Applying for Consent

Whitestone is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), because it would produce more than 50MW of energy. The Planning Act 2008 sets out the planning process for NSIPs and requires that we apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to build, operate and decommission Whitestone.

Unlike planning applications which are determined by local authorities, NSIPs are submitted to and decided at the national level. We will submit our DCO application to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), an independent body that administers the process of reviewing and examining the DCO application on behalf of the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Secretary of State). An Examining Authority will be appointed to review and examine the DCO application. After examination, the Examining Authority will make a recommendation about whether to approve the project, before a final decision is made by the Secretary of State.

You can find out more about the planning process for the project by clicking the button below.

Protecting the environment

Due to its size, we are required to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Whitestone.  The EIA will assess the likely significant effects that the project would have on the environment throughout project’s lifetime during construction, operation, and decommissioning. If any significant impacts are identified, then we must also explain how we would mitigate them.

Scoping

During this stage, we will present our proposed approach and methodology for completing the assessments, known as a ‘scoping report’. This report will present an initial view of the potential impacts associated with Whitestone. The Secretary of State will provide a ‘scoping opinion’ that will then define how we will approach the EIA.

Draft Environmental Statement (ES)

The scoping report and early results of the environmental assessments will be presented in a draft ES.

Environmental Statement (ES)

The final version of the ES will be submitted as part of our DCO application.

Consulting with local communities and experts

Before we submit our DCO application, the Planning Act 2008 requires us to consult on our project. We will consult with local authorities, technical bodies including Natural England and the Environment Agency, and members of the community. This pre-application consultation is an important part of the development of Whitestone, to ensure that valuable local knowledge is built into the design.

First Consultation

Our first consultation will occur from 18 November 2024 to 17 January 2025. During this period, you can learn more about our initial proposals including the draft masterplan. Because this consultation is not required by the Planning Act 2008, it will be considered ‘non-statutory’. Feedback from this consultation will inform the updated proposals we submit during the second consultation.

Second Consultation

During the second consultation, we will present our updated proposals and the Draft ES. This consultation will be considered our ‘statutory consultation’, as required by the Planning Act 2008. Feedback from this consultation will inform the updated design we submit in the DCO application.