There are currently 3 proposed Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects in or partly in South Gloucestershire. These applications would be submitted to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (or its successor). Although South Gloucestershire will be consulted on these proposals, they will not decide on whether consent should be given. The proposed projects that are currently registered with the Infrastructure Planning Commission are:
Hinkley C National Grid Connection Project
This project will provide a new grid connection to the proposed new build nuclear power station at Hinkley in Somerset. While the main works are in other local authority areas, National Grid have advised that this scheme would include a new substation at the existing site of the sealing end compound at Aust, possibly 2km of new line along the north side of the existing Seabank Power station, and the restringing of lines connecting Seabank to Aust, and Tockington to Melksham. Further information on this project may be found on the links to the Infrastructure Planning Commission and to the National Grid web sites, as listed on the right hand side of this page.
South Gloucestershire Council has signed up to a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) with the other authorities affected by this project and with National Grid. The PPA sets out the working arrangements of the parties and ensures an efficient and project managed approach to the work required. It also ensures that resources are provided by National Grid to cover the additional work that is needed to be carried out by the Council in assessing and advising on matters such as the design and development of National Grid’s proposals. The signing of a PPA does not in any way bind the Council or its Councillors or Officers to any future decisions or recommendations, and the document includes specific commitments that the Council will at all times act independently and impartially, and in accordance with its statutory duties.
Copies of the original Planning Performance Agreement between the Somerset authorities, and the Supplemental Agreement signed by South Gloucestershire Council may be found under ‘Other websites’ on the right hand side of this page.
Oldbury New Nuclear Power Station
Horizon Nuclear Power propose to build a new nuclear power station on land adjacent to the existing nuclear power station near Oldbury. Their proposals are at an early stage of development. Further information may be found on the Infrastructure Planning Commission’s web site and on Horizon Nuclear Power’s web site, both of which are listed under ‘Other websites’ on the right hand side of this page.
Avon Power Station
Scottish Power propose to build a 950MW Gas Fired Power Station on the former Terra Nitrogen/Growhow site at Severnside. Information on their proposals and consultations can be found on their web site which is listed under ‘Other websites’ on the right hand side of this page.