Is Northacre Renewable Energy trying to take advantage of COVID-19 lockdown to make changes without following due process?

The government is keen to keep the planning system moving as much as possible, so that it is able to play its full part in the economic recovery to come, at both national and local levels. Furthermore, it is promoting innovation in approach, using all options available to continue perform services.

There has not been any compromise in the legislative process for the determination of planning applications, nor are we expecting there to be for our application. Statutory planning consultations have been carried out electronically for some years with applications available on the Council’s website. Wiltshire Council held its first Strategic Planning Committee virtual meeting on 13th May and will, as needed, continue with this option.

Preparation of this application commenced prior to the COVID 19 situation evolving and pre-application consultation before the summer holidays was part of that schedule. We will carry out pre-application consultation with the key stakeholders and whilst face to face discussions or meetings may not be possible, we are monitoring how government advice is evolving and will react accordingly.