Development Consent Order
Created under the Planning Act 2008, a Development Consent Order (DCO) is required when a proposed development is considered a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project[1]. What is classed as a nationally significant infrastructure project was determined in the Planning Act 2008 by setting thresholds relating to different types of infrastructure developments that need to be met in order to gain this classification. These are large scale developments, both onshore and offshore, such as new harbours, roads, railways, power stations (including wind farms), electricity transmission lines and waste management facilities[2].
When the development has been consented by the relevant Secretary of State, following consultation for the project and submission of an application by the developer, a DCO is awarded as a statutory instrument (a form of secondary legislation).
A Development Consent Order provides Planning Permission for the proposed development and can also encompass other consents such as authorisation for the compulsory acquisition of land [2].
References
- ↑ National Infrastructure Process
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Department for Communities and Local Government, 2015. Planning Act 2008: Guidance on Changes to Development Consent Orders. London, p.4.