INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING COMMISSION - FIRST DEVELOPMENT
CONSENT ORDER ISSUED

The Infrastructure Planning Commission, established to consider nationally significant infrastructure projects, has issued a Development Consent Order for a Resource Recovery Facility at Rookery South, Bedfordshire.

The Facility, which will be capable of generating some 65 MWe energy from waste, was the very first project to be considered by the Commission and as such the outcome of the application has been keenly awaited by organisations with an interest in major infrastructure development.

The procedure adopted by the IPC entailed several issue specific hearings during which witnesses were subject to cross examination, as well as round table discussion sessions. The applicant and other participating bodies were also required to required submit several tranches of detailed written representations for consideration by the Commission. The application raised various planning issues, and also sought consent for compulsory acquisition of land in order to facilitate the development.

Richard Phillips QC promoted the scheme on behalf of the successful applicant, Covanta Rookery South Ltd, with Alexander Booth being instructed in respect of compulsory purchase matters.