I have failed to find any details on how the power station will export the power - was this aspect a separate DCO? If so, which one? If not, please could you signpost me to the details?
The Applicant’s Planning Statement states at S.7 that the electrical connection is not part of the application. The Examining Authority's report explains that the ‘Proposed Development requires an electrical connection to the distribution network for export. However as this would be provided underground and pursuant to permitted development powers held by the distribution network operator, the DCO includes no provisions in respect of this connection.’ Further information can be found in the Applicant’s Grid Connection Statement and subsequent revision.

Jonathan Dean

Project feedback meeting with Wrexham Power Limited
Please see attached meeting note

Wrexham Power Limited - anon.

The email is on behalf of Denbighshire County Council in connection with the Development Consent Order application for the Gas Fired Power Station on the Wrexham Industrial Estate.

We appreciate being informed of the project and for the invitation to participate in the public examination of the proposals.

We have considered the basis of the proposals and I can confirm that Denbighshire do not propose to engage in the Examination of the scheme, so do not propose to register as an interested party. It would be appreciated therefore if you could remove us from your contact list to save future circulation of email and hard copy material.
Thank you for your email below.
I understand that you do not wish to receive any further correspondence regarding the Wrexham project.
Please note that Denbighshire Council is identified as a statutory party in regards to this project. The Planning Inspectorate, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State, is under a duty to inform all statutory parties about any procedural decisions with regard to that project. Procedural decisions which must be send to you as a statutory party include:
? Rule 6 letter ? an invitation to the Preliminary Meeting, draft timetable, appointment of Examining Authority;
? Rule 8 letter - final examination timetable;
? Rule 8(3) letter - changes to examination timetable (Rule 8(3) letter); and
? Section 99 letter ? close of examination letter.
Please note however, that it is for you to decide whether you wish to respond to above letters or participate in the examination.
In the Rule 8 letter, the Examining Authority will ask all statutory parties whether they wish to become an interested party for the examination of the project. If you do not inform us that you wish to become an interested party within the deadline specified in the Rule 8 letter, you will not receive any more examination correspondence with exception to those listed above.
I hope that is helpful and apologies for any inconvenience.

Denbighshire Council - Ian Weaver

Request for review of draft application documents:
1. Environmental Statement Chapter 4 ? Proposed Development;
2. Works Plan;
3. Land Plan;
4. Book of Reference;
5. Consultation Report;
6. Development Consent Order;
7. Explanatory Memorandum to the Order.
Please see attached note.

Wrexham Energy Centre - Jon Gateley

Project update meeting
Please see attached meeting note

Karl Craddick

Meeting with the applicant to provide an update on the project.
Please see meeting note attached.

Wrexham Power Limited

Concerns regarding the adequacy of the consultation process currently under-way in respect of the proposal by Wrexham Power Limited for a 299MW power station on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, following a submission from Scottish Power on 8 May referringto the possibility of new 132kV overhead lines.
The application is currently at the ?pre-application? stage and the applicant has just carried out a period of statutory consultation under s42, s47 and s48 of the Planning Act 2008, as amended, which ran between the 14 July 2014 and the 24 August 2014.

From the information we have from the developer, Wrexham Power Limited, we understand that they are expecting to submit their application towards the end of 2014. Until the application is submitted, your first point of contact should be the developer. In this instance it is noted that you have responded to their recent statutory consultation.

As advised in our previous correspondence to you the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44, 47 and 48 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard under s49 to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted.

Before formally consulting (under s47 of the Planning Act) people living in the vicinity of the project, the developer prepared a Statement of Community Consultation (SOCC), having first consulted relevant local authorities about what it should contain. The purpose of the SOCC is to detail the consultation the developer intends to undertake with the local community about their project. The developer is then required to carry out their consultation with the local community as set out in the SOCC.

In light of the concerns raised in your correspondence about the adequacy of consultation carried out, you may also wish to notify the local authority, in this instance Wrexham County Borough Council, as they will later, along with other local authorities in the area have the opportunity, once the application is submitted, and is in its ?Acceptance? period to report to the Planning Inspectorate on their view of the adequacy of the developer?s pre-application consultation, measuring what was delivered against the commitments made in the SOCC.

During this ?Acceptance? period, the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State has a 28 day period to determine whether to accept the application to progress to Examination. The adequacy of consultation is one of the aspects we look as part of our considerations.

Local authorities play an important role within the planning process by representing local communities. If the application reaches the examination stage, local authorities will be invited to participate in the examination by submitting their representations and a report that explains potential positive and negative impacts of the proposed development.

If accepted, during the examination period, everyone will have an opportunity to express their views directly to the appointed Examining Authority by submitting a relevant representation. The submission of a relevant representation will give you the status of an Interested Party, which allows participation in the examination of the application and your representations will be considered by the appointed Examining Authority during the Examination period.

In your email you also refer to the proposal?s connection to the electricity network through Scottish Power Energy networks (SPEN) and that SPEN in their communication to the Planning Inspectorate refer to the possibility of new 132kV overhead lines.

It will be helpful if I first refer to the project description and then I will refer to DCLG Guidance on the pre-application process, published in January 2013 and in place when the applicant carried out its statutory consultation.

Project description

The project description included in Chapter 4 of the Preliminary Environmental Information the applicant used for its recent statutory consultation is for;

? The power station complex, including the CCGT power station and a facility for combined heat and power supply to the Wrexham Industrial Estate; and

? The gas connection

As you are aware the applicant states that the power station will also need to connect to the local electricity network which will be progressed under a separate consenting strategy and will not be part of this Development Consent Order (DCO) application.

As the electricity connection is not part of this project that the applicant has consulted on, in accordance with Regulation 6(1)(a)(i) of the APFP Regulations, the applicant is required to draft a Grid Connection Statement which accompanies the application once it is submitted. The Grid Connection Statement needs to state who will be responsible for designing and building the connection to the electricity grid.

I understand that the applicant is currently in discussion with SPEN and have produced a joint feasibility study to gather information on the current network capability. To date, the applicant states that it has been identified that the local electricity network could accommodate the connection of the power station through upgrade works including the re-placement of existing overhead lines, installation of new underground cables and the replacement of conductors.

You will have the opportunity to comment on the Grid Connection Statement during examination and the Examining Authority has the discretion to exercise the likelihood of a connection gaining consent. The Environmental Statement that will be produced by the applicant will have to consider in-combination effects based on the level of information available to the applicant at the time.

Changes to the application

If the applicant decides to change the application that they have consulted on so that it includes a new Overhead Line, which is outside of the exemptions of the Overhead Lines (Exempt Installations) Order 2010 they will need to apply for a DCO through the Planning Act NSIP process and change the application to include the electricity connection component. This can be by way of a separate DCO application, or can be a component of the existing DCO application, as a DCO can include two NSIPs.

If a key component of an applicant?s proposal was incorrect or varied significantly from the information that was originally consulted on under s42, 44, 47 and 48 of the PA2008 the process requires the Planning Inspectorate to ensure that the application meets the required standard and, crucially, that the local community has been consulted adequately. Inadequate consultation can adversely affect acceptance of an application and can even constitute grounds for challenge later in the process.

In essence, if a developer consults on one scheme, but then submits an application for something quite different in scope, scale, nature or impact, then the Planning Inspectorate will review very carefully whether the consultation has been adequate. The Planning Inspectorate could refuse to accept an application for examination if they consider there has not been adequate consultation, and could even ask the applicant to re-submit, which would involve a new process of consultation.

There are also significant protections should an applicant seek to significantly change a project once it has been accepted for examination. In addition to that, if an applicant does not consult appropriately to the scale of any change then it risks the following once an application is made:

? Rejection of the application upon submission under section 55 of the Planning Act 2008. Note the tests in s55 (4) of the Planning Act regarding consultation.

? If accepted for examination, issues being raised which were not identified at pre-application that lead to a decision to refuse consent under sections 104 and 105 of the Planning Act.

? If consent is granted, a legal challenge under s118 of the Planning Act.

Guidance on the pre-application process for major infrastructure projects is contained in DCLG Planning Act 2008 Guidance on the Pre-Application process 2013. This is Guidance that was in place when the developer carried out its statutory consultation. However please note that this guidance has just been updated on 29 August 2014.

A link to the January 2013 Guidance is here and I have referred to relevant paragraphs of the guidance below;

[attachment 1]

A link to the revised guidance published on 29 August 2014 is here;

[attachment 1]

Paragraph 55 of the DCLG Guidance (Jan 2013) is of relevance to your query as it advises that applicants are not expected to repeat consultation rounds set out in their Statement of Community Consultation unless the project proposals have changed very substantially. For example, where proposals change to such a large degree that what is being taken forward is fundamentally different from what was consulted on, further consultation may well be needed. This may be necessary if, for example, new information arises which renders all previous options unworkable or invalid for some reason. When considering the need for additional consultation, applicants should use the degree of change, the effect on the local community and the level of public interest as guiding factors.

Paragraph 56 of the DCLG Guidance (Jan 2013) states that where a proposed application changes to such a large degree that the proposals could be considered a new application, the legitimacy of the consultation already carried out could be questioned. In such cases it advises that applicants should undertake further re-consultation on the new proposals, and should supply consultees with sufficient information to enable them to fully understand the nature of the change and any likely significant impacts (but not necessarily the full suite of consultation documents), and allow at least 28 days for consultees to respond.

Paragraph 57 of the DCLG Guidance (Jan 2013) advises that if the application only changes to a small degree, or if the change only affects part of the development, then it is not necessary for an applicant to undertake a full re-consultation. Where a proposed application is amended in light of consultation responses then, unless those amendments materially change the application or materially changes its impacts, the amendments themselves should not trigger a need for further consultation. Instead, the applicant should ensure that all affected statutory consultees and local communities are informed of the changes.

Stephen Whitby

At a meeting in Bangor on Dee, Daniel Chapman of Wrexham Power said clearly that once they started consultation there was very little scope for change, which basically confirmed your message. However Scottish Power now appear to be saying that they are not as confident as Wrexham Power are, regarding the continued use of existing infrastructure to carry the electrical connections.

I think it is the case that even if they have to "restring" the wires there is only a 10% limit to the increase in size of any structure i.e. as the current poles are 16m high any new ones could not go above 17.6m.

If Scottish Power varied from Wrexham Power on this subject, would the practical effect be to restart the consultation,or would the Inspectorate accept a variation provided it came within a minimum scale?
Thank you for your email of 7 August 2014 to my colleague Patrycja Pikniczka, relating to the proposed Wrexham Energy Centre. Please accept our apologies for the delay in replying.

Please note that Louise Evans has taken over from Patrycja as Case Officer for this project. So please can you send future correspondence relating to this case to either myself the Case Manager Tracey Williams or Louise Evans. We also have a Planning Inspectorate mailbox for this project and suggest you send or copy any future correspondence into it as well. The address is [email protected]

In your email you state that Scottish Power Energy networks (SPEN) appear to be saying that they are not as confident as Wrexham Power are regarding the continued use of existing infrastructure to carry the electrical connections and you enquire if SPEN varied from Wrexham Power on this subject, would the practical effect be to restart the consultation of the project. To answer your query I will first refer to the project description, the different options available to the applicant and then I will refer to DCLG Guidance on the pre-application process, published in January 2013.

Project description

The project description included in Chapter 4 of the Preliminary Environmental Information the applicant used for its recent statutory consultation is for;

? The power station complex, including the CCGT power station and a facility for combined heat and power supply to the Wrexham Industrial Estate; and

? The gas connection

As you are aware the applicant states that the power station will also need to connect to the local electricity network which will be progressed under a separate consenting strategy and will not be part of this Development Consent Order (DCO) application.

As the electricity connection is not part of this project that the applicant has consulted on, in accordance with Regulation 6(1)(a)(i) of the APFP Regulations, the applicant is required to draft a Grid Connection Statement which accompanies the application once it is submitted. The Grid Connection Statement needs to state who will be responsible for designing and building the connection to the electricity grid.

I understand that the applicant is currently in discussion with SPEN and have produced a joint feasibility study to gather information on the current network capability. To date, the applicant states that it has been identified that the local electricity network could accommodate the connection of the power station through upgrade works including the re-placement of existing overhead lines, installation of new underground cables and the replacement of conductors.

Changes to the application

If the applicant decides to change the application they have consulted on so that it includes a new Overhead Line electricity connection they will need to either;

? Apply for a DCO through the Planning Act NSIP process (if outside of the exemptions of the Overhead Lines (Exempt Installations) Order 2010) and change the application to include the electricity connection component. This can be by way of a separate DCO application, or can be a component of the existing DCO application, as a DCO can include two NSIPs; or

? obtain a consent through s37 of the Electricity Act 1989.

If it was proved that a key component of an applicant?s proposal was incorrect or varied significantly from the information that was originally consulted on under s42, s47 and s48 of the PA2008, then the applicant would be required (if they wished to continue with their application) to ?restart? their period of statutory consultation again with the new application information. This would only be required if the new information meant that the proposed development would be effectively unworkable or invalid. Guidance on the pre-application process for major infrastructure projects is contained in DCLG Planning Act 2008 Guidance on the Pre-Application process 2013. A link to the Guidance here and I have referred to relevant paragraphs of the guidance below;

[attachment 1]

Paragraph 55 of the DCLG Guidance is of relevance to your query as it advises that applicants are not expected to repeat consultation rounds set out in their Statement of Community Consultation unless the project proposals have changed very substantially. For example, where proposals change to such a large degree that what is being taken forward is fundamentally different from what was consulted on, further consultation may well be needed. This may be necessary if, for example, new information arises which renders all previous options unworkable or invalid for some reason. When considering the need for additional consultation, applicants should use the degree of change, the effect on the local community and the level of public interest as guiding factors.

Paragraph 56 of the DCLG Guidance states that where a proposed application changes to such a large degree that the proposals could be considered a new application, the legitimacy of the consultation already carried out could be questioned. In such cases it advises that applicants should undertake further re-consultation on the new proposals, and should supply consultees with sufficient information to enable them to fully understand the nature of the change and any likely significant impacts (but not necessarily the full suite of consultation documents), and allow at least 28 days for consultees to respond.

Paragraph 57 of the DCLG Guidance advises that if the application only changes to a small degree, or if the change only affects part of the development, then it is not necessary for an applicant to undertake a full re-consultation. Where a proposed application is amended in light of consultation responses then, unless those amendments materially change the application or materially changes its impacts, the amendments themselves should not trigger a need for further consultation. Instead, the applicant should ensure that all affected statutory consultees and local communities are informed of the changes.

Geoorge Tranter

Dear Tracey,

I am writing to inform you of my objections to the above named proposed power station. As a local resident I am strongly opposed to this and feel many statements made by Wrexham Power are false. My opposition is listed below:-

The intended gas power station plan for Wrexham Industrial Estate has changed its plans as they struggled to get the first option through. They have just completed the public consultation process and planning applications are due to go in during the coming months. Very worringly there images in their brochure/publication have obviously been altered/distorted (size of surrounding building made smaller to make power station look not as big and straight road made to look like a junction-again distorting the size of the power station). Obviously, as local residents we are strongly opposed to this and I am wondering if you could help.


I am writing to inform you of my objections to the above named proposed power station. As a local resident I am strongly opposed to this and feel many statements made by Wrexham Power are false. My opposition is listed below:-

1. Very worryingly-images obviously altered/distorted in brochure/publication to make Power Station seem smaller. (this has to be a black mark against them, I would call it fraud).
2. The land has a small wood which is the only one in the near vacinity.
3. This wood has various wildlife which would be destroyed or move away. (newts, otters and badgers to name but a few).
4. The areas visual enjoyment would be spoilt.
5. This wood also provides the only area where local school children can play safely.
6. Local residents use this wood to walk their dogs.
7. Wrexham Power say Wrexham requires more power. Not true-Wales already produces more power than it uses.
8. There are many recently closed facilities around the UK that would make alot more sense to use.
9. Wrexham Power claims this facility will provide jobs for local people. Once the plant is built there will only be 30 specialist jobs so workers will be brought in from outside the area.
10. The risk of pollution (noise, smell and smoke) affecting the local villages.
12. This area is not a part of Wrexham Industrial Estate.
13. There are numerous other areas within Wrexham Industrial Estate that are more suitable that would not spoil our environment.

Thank you very much

Richard Williams
Dear Mr Wills,

Thank you for your email sent to the Case Manager Tracey Williams 25th July which outlined your concerns over the proposed Wrexham Power Station. Tracey is on leave at present and I am Case Officer for this project.

At this stage (Pre-Application), the applicant is currently taking part in Statutory Consultation activities, which requires them under S47 of the 2008 Planning Act to consult with the local community and are statutorily required to show due regard to any views submitted relating to the consultation material and to demonstrate this in any future application to us . We therefore advise you to submit your views directly to the applicant via one of the following options:

? A freepost address for written responses: Wrexham Power Limited,
Local Dialogue, FREEPOST NAT3717, London SE1 2BR

? A Freephone project information line staffed during working hours:
0800 319 6185

? A project email address: [email protected]


? An online comment form hosted on the project website. [attachment 1]


The applicant?s Statement of Community Consultation also describes how they will consult with the local community and how you can access documents relating to the application: [attachment 2].
This document can also be found on their website.


Once the application is submitted, if it is accepted for examination, a ?Relevant Representation? period will open where you will have the opportunity to submit a further representation of your views directly to the Planning Inspectorate by registering as an Interested Party for this project. This also means that you will be invited to attend hearings and be kept informed throughout the Examination stage.

For updates on the proposed Wrexham Industrial Estate Power Station please refer to the project page on our website: [attachment 3]


If you have any queries on any aspect of the planning process please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Yours sincerely,

Louise Evans
Case Officer
Major Applications and Plans
Room 3/18 Eagle Wing, The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN
Direct Line: 0303 444 5698
Helpline: 0303 444 5000
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PINSgov

Richard Williams

Meeeting with the applicant to provide an update on the project.
Please see meeting note attached.

Karl Cradick

Request to review draft Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC)
Please find attached letter with advice issued to the applicant.

Abbas Raza on behalf of Wrexham Power Ltd

There is a lurking doubt whether they could consult on the 299 project then submit the 1200 one to yourselves. Am I right thinking that once they have started the statutory consultation process they are bound to submit to you the proposal on which they have consulted?
Before submitting an application to the Planning Inspectorate, the applicant is required to carry out extensive consultation on their proposal.

This involves providing information about the proposed development to various statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as the wider community to gain information and feedback that can help in shaping the proposal. For example, where the application is larger and more complex, applicants are encouraged to go beyond the statutory requirements of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended) and carry out several stages of consultation.

The length of time for the applicant?s pre-application consultation will vary depending upon the scale and complexity of the application. The applicant will usually carry out number of non-statutory pre-application consultation stages in order to inform the proposal before starting its statutory consultation on a more refined development.

Once the application is submitted the applicant must demonstrate in its Consultation Report document which is submitted as part of the application documents, how the proposal progressed as a result of both statutory consultation as well as non-statutory consultation.

As you have noted, the applicant must therefore carry out its statutory consultation with local communities including local planning authorities, relevant statutory organisations and members of the public. Before starting its statutory consultation with the local community under s47 of the Act, the applicant is required to prepare a Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC) and carry out their consultation as set in that document.

In their SoCC, the applicant should clearly describe their project and its scale and refer to both benefits and the impacts that proposed development would on the local community.

The SoCC should also indicate what information will be provided during the consultation process on the scope for any associated land restoration, landscaping, other mitigation or compensatory measures for natural habitats impact.

The description of the proposal must be clear during consultation, should the applicant make any changes to its proposal following its statutory consultation are encouraged to carry out further consultation (see DCLG: Guidance on pre-application process available from the link below).

[attachment 1]

Pre-application consultation therefore, whether it is non-statutory or statutory, is the best time to influence the proposal and provide the developer with suggestions about how the impact of the project could be mitigated.

Once the application is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, the 2008 Act process lays down a strict timetable. It is not normally possible for substantial changes to be made to an application once it has been submitted.

Summarising the above to answer your query, the applicant is encouraged to carry out both non statutory and statutory consultation in order to shape their proposal. Moreover, the applicant is encouraged to carry out their statutory consultation on the most refined option that progressed as a result of its consultation. Moreover, once the application is submitted for consideration, no substantial changes to the application are allowed.

George Tranter

Meeting with applicant to provide update on the project.
Please see meeting note attached.

Karl Cradick

I write with regard to Wrexham Power Ltd proposals for a Power Station in Wrexham.

My immediate reaction to this consultation is why Wrexham?

There are two relatively new power stations in Connah?s Quay, which is only 23 miles away by road, being Connah?s Quay (1,420 MW gas-fired CCGT type) and Deeside (498 MWe gas-fired CCGT type).

The proposed site does not have the required infrastructure, in that a gas pipeline and power cables are required. In the case of the power cables these would be even closer to the houses of our village and would create new disruption to the small field enclosures of the farms and to the beautiful landscape. The distance needed to transfer the power to the grid is considerable. Is this really a green solution given the loss of energy in the transfer, and the loss of valuable agricultural land for our already struggling local, relatively small farms? The other operational stations in Wales are near the coast, as I understand, this provides a source for cooling water for the process. Wrexham Power are intending to use an air cooling method? Is this site suitable for this given the exposure of the site to strong winds from varying directions?

While the proposal is for a station on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, the station would be on the outskirts and actually using a large amount of ?green? land, the proportion of brown field being small. Our village has been a neighbour of the estate for many years without really being effected as the estate occupies a natural dip in the landscape, and generally the landscape of the estate is not of an industrial nature, being mostly manufacturing and warehouse type units. Industrial landscapes such as that of a power station can be seen locally around the areas of Ellesmere Port and Runcorn, for example. These areas are also close to water for cooling, have gas and electricity infrastructure nearby and have large areas of brown field ready for regeneration. I appreciate that the Kellogs plant at Wrexham is of an industrial nature but this is unique on the estate and its emissions are of a pleasant odour which do not affect wildlife, farm animals or crops.

I have concerns regarding the effect of emissions from the power station and the effect of magnetic and electric fields from the overhead wires and pylons on the local environment. The effect on local crops, vital for the sustainability of small farms not only locally but across the river in South Cheshire and beyond, also the effect on the delicately balanced ecology of the River Dee just over half a mile from the proposed site. I am concerned about the effect on birds and wildlife including the protected Great Crested Newt. I have been unable to get answers to my concerns from the company.

The company lists one of the reasons for choosing the site as the proximity of the high demand for electricity from businesses on the Industrial Estate, when in reality the demand from this would only use a miniscule of the amount produced, the remainder going to the national grid. Looking at the ?Heat Map? available from the Department of Energy which indicates ?hot spots ?of demand, shows Wrexham town centre as a moderate hot spot, not the industrial estate, with huge corridors either side of this with very low demand.

The prospect of long term employment for Wrexham is not as positive as the proposal claims. The similar sized Power Station at Connahs Quay employs only 24 people.

A real concern for me if this proposal should be to go ahead would be the company?s commitment to the ?green? aspect of the process, carbon capture. I am aware that this is a process for the future, but realistically is this an appropriate site for transferring carbon dioxide by pipeline to disused gas or oil fields under the sea which is what the Government is proposing? The route if this were possible would be long and expensive. Have the company considered this in proposing this site?
Thank you for reading about my concerns and I sincerley hope that this proposal does not go ahead.
Thank you for your email to Tracey Williams received 2 December 2013 regarding the above application. I have been asked to reply.

Please note that the Planning Inspectorate is currently only aware of the Wrexham Energy Centre Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), not other projects in that area. I therefore understand that your comments relate to that proposal.

As you may already be aware, the above application is currently at the pre-application stage of the Planning Act 2008 process (as amended). At the pre-application stage the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

I am aware that, to date, the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project.

However, we do appreciate however being informed about comments on the project and we will keep your correspondence for our records.

Once the application is formally submitted to the Inspectorate and if it is accepted for examination, everyone will have an opportunity to express their views directly to the appointed Examining Authority by submitting a relevant representation. The submission of a relevant representation will give you the status of an Interested Party, which allows participation in the examination of the application.

Please note that once the application is formally submitted to Inspectorate and before the Secretary of State decides whether to accept the application for examination, local planning authorities will be invited to provide their views on the adequacy of consultation carried out by the applicant at the pre-application stage. Local planning authorities play an important role within the planning processes by representing local communities. Moreover, if the application reaches the examination stage, local planning authorities will be invited to participate in the examination by submitting their representations and a report that explains potential positive and negative impacts of the proposed development.

If you feel that the consultation carried out by the applicant is in any way inadequate or should you have any other comments about the above application, I strongly suggest that your local planning authority is made aware of the content of your email.

I am including links to our advice notes below, on how the process works and how to get involved in the examination of the application.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works [attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation [attachment 2]

Please also find a link to a video which explains the six stages of the Planning Act process.

[attachment 3]

I hope this information is helpful.

Joanna Roberts

Enquiry from Welsh Conservative Member for North Wales, Mark Isherwood regarding section 53 authorisation.

Letter and response available from links below.

Mark Isherwood AM

Enquiry regarding s53 authorisation and changes to Advice Note and DCLG Guidance.
In response to your first question, the most recent Advice Note 5 has been last updated in April 2012 and it is currently under revision.

With regards to your two following questions as mentioned in my previous email.

?At the time that Wrexham Power Ltd submitted their request for authorisation April 2013 under Section 53 the previous version of the DCLG guidance was still in place as reflected in Advice Note 5. However, by the time the Secretary of State determined the requests, the revised version (June 2013) of the guidance had been published. The requests for authorisation were, therefore, considered against the DCLG guidance current at the time of the determination; this was the June 2013 version of the 'fees guidance'.?

This is not unusual - where an authority takes a planning decision, for example, they must decide it in accordance with the policy that is extant at the time of decision, even if that policy is different to that which applied when the application was made.

With regards to authorisation given by the SoS under s53, I can confirm that 10 authorisations were granted between 19 July 2012 to 18 July 2013 out of which 7 were related to the requests from Wrexham Power Ltd. Please note however that revised version of the DCLG Guidance on Fees was already in place from June 2013.

In terms of changes to the Advice Note 5, they are currently under revision to reflect the amendments made by DCLG. The Advice Note will be made official as soon as practicable and you will be able to find that out from the Advice Note Change Register on our website.

With regards to the amendments to the DCLG Guidance, as mentioned previously that this is carried out by the Department for Communities and Local Government and not the Planning Inspectorate. If you have any views about guidance issued by the government, please contact your local MP who should be able to raise these concerns with the relevant department.

Please note that once the application is formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate and if it is accepted for examination, you will then be able to raise your comments directly to the appointed Examining Authority. At this stage however I suggest continuing raising your comments to the applicant and your relevant local authority and/or MP should you wish to.

To conclude, I trust that your all questions have now been answered and I hope that information provided was helpful.

Thank you for contacting us.

Kevin Braithwaite

E-mail to the Planning Inspectorate from Mr Stephen Whitby:

Thank you for your reply which I will study and reply to in full. There is one aspect of which I would welcome some explanation that stands out as particularly confusing in regard to the statement on page 3 repeated in italics below.

Wrexham Power Ltd?s application for authorisation under Section 53 was made on 2 April 2013. The application refers to the Planning Inspectorate?s Advice Note 5 (April 2012) (?AN5?), which provides advice on the process followed by the Secretary of State in determining a Section 53 authorisation request. AN5 refers to Fees Guidance produced in February 2010 by DCLG, which includes the guidance that requests under section 53 should only be made ?as a last resort?.

However, as recorded in the Recommendation Reports relating to each land parcel, the DCLG Fees Guidance was updated in June 2013, after the application had been submitted. It no longer makes reference to applications being made ?as a last resort?.

In simple terms the facts are:

Landowners received a copy of Advice note 5, version 3 dated April 2012 supplied to them by Wrexham Power.

On page 6 section 10 in the second column 2nd paragraph is the statement that the Guidance states that requests under s.53 should only be made "as a last resort". The "Guidance" referred to being that relating to fees by the DCLG that you refer to.

The point that keeps being overlooked is; that at the time when people made decisions, and spent money, the Advice Note 5 was still current. In fact it still is. If something is changed at a later date, ie June being two months after April, that is not fair or reasonable, (the fact that the change was not only later, but in separate document on fees and is of no relevance to the landowners is yet another factor.)

Can you please advise me who made this change, a Minister, Secretary of State or the Planning Inspectorate, and was it intended to be applied retrospectively?

The PI website shows an Advice Note Change Register with Advice notes 3 and 7 having changes on 25 July 2013, previous changes are in April to Advice Note 6, no changes are shown to Advice Note 5 yet you advise that it has been incorrect since June.

People are saying to me that we can only work with the data we have, and that if the practice of the PI is to amend Advice Notes after decisions are made, that there is no point to the consultation requirements of the Planning Act. As consultation is a fundamental requirement of the Act, we cannot just "let this go". For example what future changes may be introduced to Advice Notes 14 and 16 in order that the woefully inadequate consultation by Wrexham Power is deemed to meet a revised (lower) threshold. Many people tell me that Wrexham Power are just paying lip service to consolation through their PR company "Local Dialogue"

For clarity am I correct to assume that when you state on page 2 that between 19 July 2012 to 18 July 2013, the Planning Inspectorate received 18 requests for authorisations under Section 53 of the Planning Act. Of these, 6 are yet to be determined, 2 have been withdrawn and 10 have been granted, that of the 10 granted that 7 relate to the Wrexham Power applications?

I still await a response to the e-mail of 19 June sent to Ms Williams at her request with letters from Wrexham Power and Susan Jones MP
Response from the Planning Inspectorate attached:

Stephen Whitby

Comments received in favour of the Wrexham Energy Centre proposed application.
We appreciate being informed about comments on the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and we will keep your correspondence within on our record. Please note however that the pre-application stage is mainly driven by the applicant who carries out its consultation with the local community in order to shape the scheme before it is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

Once the application is formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate and if it is accepted for the examination, there will be an opportunity for everyone to register as an interested party ?IP?. In order to become such an IP you will be asked to provide your comments by submitting the relevant representation. The purpose of the relevant representation is to express your views directly to the appointed Examining Authority ?ExA? to be considered during the examination.

For more information on how the process works and other related topics, please see our Advice Notes 8.1 -8.5 available from the link below:

[attachment 1]

Michael Cawood

Enquiry regarding Wrexham Energy Centre project and concerns in relation to s53, pre-application consultation and the principles of the project.
Thank you for your emails received 2 & 5 August 2013 and for your patience in awaiting reply.

Firstly, may I apologise for not responding separately to your email dated 17 July 2013 (2:14pm) this was an oversight on our part. However the points you raised were addressed in my reply sent on 18 July 2013 (2:51 PM).

In that reply, I advised that you may find it useful to look at the relevant National Policy Statements which set out the government?s objectives for the development of nationally significant infrastructure projects. You may also find it useful to visit the applicant?s project website available from the link below:

[attachment 1]

We understand that Local Dialogue are currently working on behalf of the Wrexham Power Limited on the stakeholder and community consultation. I would suggest contacting them directly in order to make them aware of your concerns and/or to find out more detailed information about the project itself.

Local Dialogue?s contact details

Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0800 319 6185
Address:

Wrexham Power Limited
Local Dialogue LLP
FREEPOST NAT 3717
SE1 2BR

With regards to your comments regarding s53, please note that The Department for Communities and Local Government has been undertaking a 'light touch' review of the suite of guidance documents for the major infrastructure planning regime.  Details of the consultation can be found here:

[attachment 2]

Moreover, the purpose of the advice notes is to inform all developers, consultees, the public and others about a range of process matters in relation to the Planning Act 2008 process (as amended by the Localism Act 2011).
 
The advice notes produced by the Planning Inspectorate are based on the legislation and government policy current at the time they are produced.  They are revised when necessary to reflect changes in legislation or policy.  Advice Note 5 is currently under revision to reflect the changes in the DCLG 'Fees Guidance'.  The Advice Note Change Register will be updated when the changes to Advice Note 5 have been completed. 

As previously stated, the revised version of the 'Fees Guidance' was published in June 2013. Please note that the publication of DCLG guidance is carried out independent of the Planning Inspectorate and we do not have any advance warning of the date that revised guidance will be published or the content of the guidance.  At the time that Wrexham Power Ltd submitted their request for authorisation under Section 53 the previous version of the DCLG guidance was still in place, as reflected by Advice Note 5.  However, by the time the Secretary of State came to consider the requests, the revised version (June 2013) of the guidance had been published. The requests for authorisation were considered against the DCLG guidance current at the time of the determination; this was the June 2013 version of the 'Fees Guidance'. 

With regards to your comments about consultation, as you noted already it plays a significant part in the Planning Act 2008 process and it will be for the developer to prove that the pre-application consultation under s42 and s47 has been carried out accordingly with the legislation under the provision of the Act. Moreover the applicant under s49 must have regard to all responses received during pre-application consultation.

Kevin Braithwaite

Enquiry regarding the Planning Act 2008.
With regards to the final paragraph on page 2 of the letter by Wrexham Power Limited, please note that this is purely the applicant?s interpretation of the Planning Act 2008. Moreover, it is for the applicant to determine how their pre-application consultation should be carried out in order to shape its proposal for a development consent order (DCO) before it is formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

The pre-application stage is mainly driven by the applicant and there is no prescribed statutory period for carrying out such consultation. However we do advise applicants to use that time effectively and to start their consultation sufficiently early to allow consultees a real opportunity to influence the proposal.

DCLG Guidance on the on pre-application process (January 2013) states that the applicant should 'undertake initial consultation as soon as there are sufficient details to allow consultees to understand the nature of the project properly ' . Applicants are also advised to seek their own technical advice from consultees so their input can be of the greatest value if they are consulted when project proposals are fluid, followed up by confirmation of the approach as proposals become firmer.

DCLG Guidance also advises applicants to carry out more than one stage of the pre-application consultation, especially for large projects with long development periods. Many applicants carry out their consultation at the early stage where options are still being considered, that approach allows the proposal to develop and assists the applicant in establishing their preferred option on which to undertake further consultation. It is advisable for the applicants as well to carry out their final stage of consultation with persons who have an interest in the land once they have worked up their project proposal in sufficient detail to identify affected land interests.

Finally, it is for the applicant to determine how their application progresses during the time of the pre-application consultation. It is also for the applicant to seek its own legal advice to understand the Planning Act 2008 in order to meet its requirements

Stephen Whitby

Enquiry regarding applicant's (Wrexham Power Limited) pre-application consultation.
With regard to the difficulties of communicating with Wrexham Power Limited as you noticed correctly, the Local Dialogue has been employed by the applicant to work on community and stakeholders relations. As that stage of the process (pre-application) is mainly driven by the applicant, it is for the applicant to decide how to carry on its consultation; I can only recommend at this point that you continue communicating with the Local Dialogue. I would also suggest that your local planning authority is aware of your comments in relation to the above application.

Please note that once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration and if it has been accepted for examination, you will then have an opportunity to make your comments directly to the appointed Examining Authority.

I hope that is helpful.

Mrs Linda Dawes Dawes

E-mail to the Planning Inspectorate from Mr Stephen Whitby below:

I write regarding the recent granting of access to private property for surveys and the like on behalf of the Secretary of State to Wrexham Power Limited with the reason being that otherwise it would delay their project!

In the interest of brevity, and so that the point is not lost, supporting detail has been limited. Susan Elan Jones MP has however been supplied with all of the relevant facts, other elected representatives are being contacted as there are serious issues raised by this flawed decision.

It is very disappointing that the Planning Inspectorate (PI) in balancing the rights of an individual against the wishes of private business appears to have a bias in favour of the latter in granting access onto private property under Section 53 of the 2008 Planning Act. Can you tell me what proportion of Section 53 requests are actually turned down, and how many has the PI received in the last 12 months?

It is confusing to the layperson when a Government Minister responsible for Energy instructs WPL in writing not to commence environmental surveys before ?firming up? their designs, and yet another Minister with responsibility for authorising access (Communities) allows these surveys apparently unaware of his colleague?s advice. What possible interpretation can anyone put on the words in the Scoping opinion?

It is surprising when an experienced developer with statutory powers undertaking a similar activity of high voltage power lines adjacent to this proposal has submitted 153 pages of detail even before consultation with landowners; this proposal by WPL who have no prior experience has 4 paragraphs plus a map. Is this a question of the Planning Act not requiring any thoroughness or detail from a developer?

It is disappointing that the PI has advised a Government Minister saying that guidance no longer requires the Section 53 process to be used a last resort when the current guidance plainly states that it is only to be used as a last resort. (I am sure this ?error? will be rectified in a re-issue of the guidance in favour of business not the individual). Why was such a statement made, and to whom is the person who made it accountable?

It is disappointing that a private company can gain access onto private property without notification of what part of that property they want access to, prior to an application under Section 53. Is there no requirement now for a developer to consult, and why did the PI not recognise the obscuration of the truth in the WPL answers when you sought additional clarification from them on this point?

It is immoral for a private company to support their application with statements that are demonstrably untrue in order to influence the PI. Susan Jones MP and Welsh Assembly Government Members having being advised in writing by the companies involved of contradictory facts. What action is the PI going to take? Surely the PI depend on honesty and integrity from proposers of what are called Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. The WPL project is a NSIP by definition only because of the proposed electricity export. In reality it is an opportunistic venture with no local necessity or benefit, the benefit being reserved for the promoters of the scheme to the cost of local communities, residents and businesses. Had the 2008 Planning Act been properly drafted no such project should acquire what appears to be a bias to automatic approval unless there was a need of vital importance to the well-being of the UK.

It is concerning that the application for access by WPL is addressed using first name terms knowing how well established St Modwen is in public sector building works. Please advise me on what other projects the PI is working closely with St Modwen, Glenfinnan or the individuals on the board of Wrexham Power? I have similar concerns in respect of close links with the Assembly Government in Cardiff.

It is extremely disappointing that private individuals have to spend significant sums of their own money in a futile attempt to counter the legal experts of the Government and city law firms of private business. This seems extraordinarily unjust. Having had sight of recent correspondence from the SOS, I am concerned that legal team within the PI will expend effort to justify the actions above rather than management seek an explanation.

Following the action of the PI in granting access under Section 53 are you aware that the PI further assist the developer by re-inforcing their negociating position with every other landowner?

To date I believed we lived in a free democratic society which valued freedom and privacy. I appreciate that the PI have a role to carry out the wishes of Government and therefore we need to address our concerns of this process to our elected representatives as well, but we have a right, as tax payers, to expect those who carry out the wishes of Government to do so in way that respects the wishes of citizens
Response from the Planning Inspectorate attached.

Stephen Whitby

E-mail received by the Planning Inspectorate from Mrs Linda Dawes below:

This scheme is the wrong scheme and in the wrong location and objections to it are legitimate and substantial. It will not deliver any benefits to the area in terms of either jobs or cheaper electricity but will be of serious detriment to the tourist industry, which does provide local employment. It has adverse environmental, social and economic effects which will be irreversible. To date Wrexham Power Limited?s initial consultation has been woefully inadequate and the information they have put into the public domain has been such that there are many, significant even at this stage, questions unanswered by them.
I apologise if the points I have made below have been made by others or seem lengthy although I do intend to make a more detailed submission to you and all other concerned bodies at the time of formal consultation. However, I hope this summary will serve to indicate my strong opposition to this scheme.

1. The argument that the power station is necessary to meet a demand for local electricity is simply not true. The lights are not in danger of ?going out? in North Wales. Indeed, the power stations at Connah?s Quay 12 miles from Wrexham, supplies half Wales? needs and is, currently, an underused facility. The 'need' referred to by Wrexham Power Limited as one of its rationales in support of its application doesn?t exist. They are proposing 1200w Power Station which could supply 1.25 million homes! In addition Wales is an exporter of the energy it produces. It is reasonable, therefore, to assume that whoever owns and runs the power station will have no choice but to feed its electricity into the National Grid, to supply areas of the U.K where there is a need e.g the South East. If this doesn't happen then what will be done with the surplus power generated ? Or is this a power station that will operate below capacity, at little profit, because there is no demand for its output The notion that it will be transmitted to the Industrial Estate is another that is challenged below.

2. Are the lights really going to go out? I would also challenge the rather alarmist view current in the media that the lights are ever going to go out given the number of power stations which at the time of writing are either approved , about to upgraded, replaced or built. The Planning Inspectorate know better than I the list of approved or awaiting approval power stations and schemes but a list of these is available by reference to the Friends of the Earth website.

3. Have the National Grid or Scottish Power been consulted as to what will be done with the excess of power which this scheme will produce? Has either made any expression of doubt that they are not able to continue to provide energy to the Wrexham area sufficient to meet demand? Perhaps demonstrating their own inexperience WPL originally were rather cavalier in their assertion that the existing power lines would be adequate to cope with the electricity generated by the new power station. It is now revealed that connection to the National Grid will require the erection of an extensive 400kv connection line carried by 50m pylons across unspoilt countryside. Given that Wrexham Power Limited does not seem to have any track record in this field who will maintain the pylons and guarantee the lines remain in working order? No information is forthcoming as to the expertise of Wrexham Power Limited in this field are so it is reasonable to question their credentials with regard to a project of this size.

4. Where is the evidence that this company, which incorporates Wrexham into its name only for local credibility, looked at other sites, where the infrastructure in already in place and where there is immediate access to the National Grid? Have these been considered and if they have why have they been.

5. WPL themselves have now admitted that their scheme is not CHP, as was initially promised but will be a standard Power Station unable to claim either green credentials or an efficiency greater than some older power stations still in use.

6. Yet again Wrexham Power Limited must be challenged about their justification for their scheme as one of answering a ?need?. It is glib to say that the Industrial Estate ?needs? more power but on what data do they base their assertion? They have themselves admitted that without the building of a costly infrastructure on the estate that the most they can guarantee is a supply of hot water which will not even be pumped to the individual businesses. Nor, without costly updating of the power lines, will energy from the proposed power station be transmitted directly to businesses on the Industrial Estate. Instead, there will be a potentially ludicrous situation whereby energy from the power station will be fed into the National Grid and returned into the Industrial Estate by the existing power lines. Electricity is currently supplied, to the Industrial Estate by Scottish Power. Is Wrexham Power Limited planning to set themselves up as a rival energy supplier offering cheaper rates with an independent electricity distribution system to that of Scottish Power?

7. There are better options for Wrexham, which would accord more with the Welsh Assembly pledge for a greener Wales which seem not to have been considered. The Industrial Estate is ideal for a genuine CHP plant as is common in Scandinavia. This could be a more modest scheme but could be genuinely low carbon, highly efficient and possibly fuelled by biomass or biogas from an anaerobic digester. This would make a positive contribution to the obligations of the UK in C02 reduction.

8. Much has been made by WPL of the economic advantages the building of the scheme will bring to Wrexham but this shows no understanding of the area which is not surprising given Wrexham Power Limited does not have any meaningful connection with either Wrexham or Clwyd. Any construction works will, it is reasonable to assume, be done by a contractor who will bring in a skilled work force from out of area which will be transitory. The 'gang' will be moved on to the next project when building is complete leaving the Power Station to be run by a small, already skilled, technical team recruited from other power stations.

9. The tourist industry is healthy, sustainable and making a positive contribution to the regeneration of this part of North Wales and this scheme will be detrimental to further development. People are keen to visit this rural and unspoilt area, close to Chester and accessible from Liverpool, by successful businesses such as The Plassey, modern hotels, for instance Holt Lodge, unique landmarks of which the Postcysyllte Aqueduct (a World heritage Site), National Trust at Chirk Castle and Erdigg, Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse are just a few examples. By contrast the Power Station and the associated pylons and transmission lines will have no mitigating social or economic benefits as I have already argued. It is on the edge of farmland, in open country side, adjacent to a Primary School and will be a blight on the lives of all who live and work within its shadow and deter those who would visit the area for its unspoilt beauty.

10. Given that the public has been told that ?we are running out of gas? how sustainable is a gas fired power station? I think we, the residents of this area, could be forgiven for suspecting that this scheme is merely a ?front? for another company, as yet unknown, to begin ?fracking? in the area. Planning permission is still in place for investigations to begin not five miles from the Bryn Lane site so my misgivings as to a possible hidden agenda are not misplaced.

11. WPL have made claims about Carbon Capture to create an impression that their proposal will reduce the carbon footprint of the Power Station, the most effective way of effecting a reduction is for the Power Station not to be built in which case there would be no carbon footprint. As yet WPL has not made it clear what technology is to be used to capture the carbon and it has remained silent, to date, on something which is clearly going to be yet another consequence of this scheme. i.e the need to lay a huge pipeline between Wrexham and the coast, a distance of 15 to 20 miles. This will involve more disruption to more communities who may put up as strong an objection to pipelines across their properties as communities affected by the power scheme are doing now. Have Wrexham Power Limited got sufficient funds for what could be a substantial bill for compensation payments?

12. The lack of published consideration given to the management of the inevitable increase in CO2 emissions is of enormous concern. The area over which the smoke from the chimney stacks is largely agricultural and natural country side and we who live here have understood that preserving the environment and following a Green Agenda has been a priority for those who represent us at both local and national levels. This has been a significant first step to reverting the image, and reality, of Wales as a ?dirty part of Europe?. This image will once again be tarnished by an additional CO2 emission 5 million kilograms a day released into the atmosphere. Will this not affect any grants that may be forthcoming from the EEC for Rural Development?

13. Wrexham Power Limited has no record in completing a project of this magnitude. Indeed, it is hard to find any evidence that it exists as an entity at all. Despite its name this scheme is actually being put forward by property developers in London and Birmingham with shareholdings from offshore ?shell? companies in Bermuda and Luxembourg. These are companies whose portfolios do not include the completion of projects of this magnitude. If Wrexham Power?s application is successful is there anything to prevent them selling on the approved plan to another company, as yet unnamed or unknown, to build the power scheme and profit by it? This is germane to my opposition to this scheme as it is hard to be less than cynical about a company whose only link with the area is to adopt its name on the basis that this lends it application sufficient credibility when discussing local needs. I would urge that there is some scrutiny of the companies involved in this scheme as it does have bearing on the possible integrity of the project.

14. WPL has justified the ?southern route? as the one most likely to be used for the transmission lines and pylons because there is already an electrical connection. This is true but the pylons which exist, and which are small enough and well sited enough to blend into the countryside, will have to be replaced by far bigger ones which will make more impact on the landscape than those already there. How does the existence of smaller pylons justify their replacement by bigger ones?

15. Consultation has been limited and superficial. Letters to Wrexham Power Limited do not get a response and questions remain unanswered. Only diligent research by those who have access to computers and time to use them has revealed the sketchy details that Wrexham Power Limited have been prepared to put into the public domain. There has also been a misrepresentation of the number of landowners consulted with regard to access to their land for the purposes of surveying the proposed 'corridor' along which the pylons are to be erected. At the time of writing to you I know of one landowner, whose land is crucially placed on the route apparently favoured for pylons, has had no contact from Wrexham Power Limited

16. The effect of a power station and pylons on wild life close to the River Dee could be devastating. The area is a habitat for swans and geese who follow the same line every year. This pattern, essential to their survival, will be impossible to sustain given the huge obstruction of the power station, chimneys, pylons and power cables that this scheme will impose.

In conclusion I am confident that you are giving the close scrutiny I, and others, have asked you to give to this application. I am disappointed that Wrexham Power Limited has, apparently, been given permission to go on the land which will be built on by pylons against the wishes, in some cases, of the landowners. Perhaps you could advise us how best to focus our opposition so that this unnecessary scheme is not allowed to proceed. I am sure there will be other, more worthy applications such as warehousing or distribution centres for the proposed site that will make full use of the new road system and offer genuine economic potential for the area.
Response from the Planning Inspectorate:

We appreciate being informed about Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs); however as you are aware the pre-application stage of the process is mainly driven by the applicant. We will keep your correspondence in relation to Wrexham Energy Centre application on record at this stage.
I understand from your email that your comments relate to the project as a whole as well as the non-statutory consultation currently carried out by the applicant.

Firstly, please may I advise you that if you feel that consultation carried out is in any way inadequate , or should you have any other concerns about consultation, that you raise them with your local planning authority/ies.

Once the application is formally submitted, the Planning Inspectorate will then request comments on the applicant?s adequacy of consultation from the local planning authorities in the surrounding area regarding the proposal. As you know local planning authorities play an important role within the planning processes by representing their local communities. If the application is accepted for examination, you will have an opportunity to raise your comments directly to the appointed Examining Authority (the Planning Inspectorate). In order to be involved in the examination, you will be invited to make your comments by submitting a relevant representation that will give you a status of an Interested Party 'IP'.

If the application reaches the stage of the examination the appointed Examining Authority 'ExA' will invite the relevant local planning authorities to submit a Local Impact Report (LIR). The purpose of such a document is to explain the views of the planning authorities on whether the proposed development would have a positive or negative impact on their area. I suggest that in the meantime your concerns in relation to the proposed application are raised with the local planning authority that can potentially be included by the local authority in such a report.

As you may know, the examination stage takes a form of consideration by the ExA of written representations as well as oral representations raised at the hearings. Please note that ExA considers the application as a whole as well as comments raised to the applicant at the pre-application stage and submissions made by IPs at the pre-examination and examination stage of the application. Moreover before the application is formally submitted for consideration, the applicant must be fully satisfied that application meets the satisfactory standards; that includes compliance by the applicant with the provisions of Chapter 2 of Part 5 (pre-application procedure) of the Planning Act 2008 and any applicable Regulations. It also means having regard by the applicant to any consultation responses and issues raised during applicant's pre-application consultation. More importantly the applicant must ensure that their application is consistent with the guidance contained in the National Policy Statements (NPS).
You may wish to look at the National Policy Statements (NPSs) such as EN-1; EN-2; EN4 and EN5 that are relevant to specific types of NSIP projects. Individual NPS sets out government?s objectives for the development of nationally significant infrastructure.

National Policy Statements are available from:
[attachment 1]

Advice Note 8.1 on how the process works available from link below:
[attachment 2]

May I also suggest that you continue to contact the developer directly in order to raise your specific comments about that application. I am including the applicant's details below:

Linda Dawes

E-mail received by the Planning Inspectorate from Mr Kevin Braithwaite below:

I have some misgivings about way ordinary residents opinions are considered by the PI.
The PI will be aware that they recently recommended access be granted to Wrexham Power onto private land under Section 53. The guidance for section 53 says access may be granted, not will be, that it should be used as a last resort. The reason cited for approval was despite a number of serious inconsistencies (that have separately been drawn to attention of MPs, AMs and the PI) that otherwise the project would be delayed.

There is now considerable doubt in the local communities that the PI will do anything other than expedite approval of this flawed project so that it is not delayed further. I am aware of the role of the local authority as a statutory consultee but sadly for this community the decision is out of our hands. Not only has local democracy been sacrificed but human rights and civil liberties also, all with claims of legitimacy under the 2008 Planning Act.
Response from the Planning Inspectorate:

I understand that content of your email relates to authorisation that was given to the applicant under Section 53 of the Planning Act 2008, in connection with an application that WPL propose to make for a gas turbine power station with associated power lines and gas pipeline.

Under Section 53 of the Act, the Secretary of State can authorise a person to enter onto third party land to carry out surveys and/or to facilitate compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and/or the Habitats Directive. Before such an authorisation can be granted the Act requires that the Secretary of State has to be satisfied that the applicant is considering a ?distinct project of real substance genuinely requiring entry onto the land?.

In addition non-statutory guidance produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government advises that ?Applicants are expected to act reasonably, first seeking to obtain ?permission to access land directly before seeking authorisation under these provisions?. ?Specifically, applicants should only submit requests for?access to parcels of land, where they consider they have been unreasonably refused that?access? (The Infrastructure Planning (Fees) Regulations 2010: Guidance (June 2013).

The reasons for granting access are given in the authorisation for each land parcel under 'Reasons for the decision' and also in the associated Recommendation Reports which are available on the Planning Inspectorate's website at [attachment 1]. As there are a lot of documents on this website I have attached an example of the authorisation and Recommendation Reports. Although the delay to the project was mentioned in the 'Reasons for the decision, those reasons also set out the steps that Wrexham Power Ltd had taken to try to obtain access voluntarily, without success.

The representations made on behalf of landowners by their professional representatives were carefully considered before the decision was made. In the view of the Secretary of State the tests referred to above have been met. He is also satisfied that the detailed conditions attached to the authorisations will avoid any risk of detriment to landowners? property directly resulting from the surveys. As such, there appeared to be no reason to request further information or further delay the issue of the authorisations, particularly as this would risk substantially delaying an application for the proposed project.

WPL?s application for authorisation under Section 53 was made on 2 April 2013. The application refers to the Planning Inspectorate?s Advice Note 5 (April 2012) (?AN5?), which provides advice on the process followed by the Secretary of State in determining a Section 53 authorisation request. AN5 refers to Fees Guidance produced in February 2010 by DCLG, which includes the guidance that requests under section 53 should only be made ?as a last resort?. However, as recorded in the Recommendation Reports relating to each land parcel, the DCLG Fees Guidance was updated in June 2013, after the application had been submitted. It no longer makes reference to applications being made ?as a last resort?.

The published version of AN5 (April 2012) has not yet been updated to reflect changes to the DCLG Guidance. The Planning Inspectorate is in the process of revising it. The current DCLG Fees Guidance is available here:
[attachment 2]
28/Planning_Act_2008_-_Fees_guidance.pdf

The authorisation of access to land under Section 53 is purely for survey purposes and entirely separate from the future consideration of any subsequent application by WPL. If an application is submitted, the Act sets out rigorous requirements that any development consent must meet before it is even accepted for examination. If an application is accepted it will be examined by an Examining Authority who will recommend to the relevant Secretary of State whether or not it should be accepted, following a detailed and thorough examination. The Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes 8.1 to 8.4 may be of interest to you in explaining how the Planning Act 2008 process works and how local communities can engage with it. They can be found here: [attachment 3]

I hope this information is helpful.

Kevin Braithwaite

Enquiry raised by the applicant about issues relating to the Section 53 authorisations.

D.Chapman (Wrexham Power Ltd) S.Merritt (Pinsent Masons LLP)

Letter received by the Planning Inspectorate from Susan Elan Jones MP attached.
Response from the Planning Inspectorate attached:

Susan Elan Jones

Enquiry reagrding the considertation of the issues during the examination of the applciation.
Firstly as you are already aware the proposed application is currently at the pre-application stage of the Planning Act 2008 process; therefore it has not been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate yet. Once the application is formally submitted and if it is accepted; the Examining Authority ?ExA? will be appointed to examine the application. This will also be an opportunity to register as an interested party and to raise comments to be considered at examination directly to the ExA.

In response to your question, it is however for the applicant to satisfy themselves that the application meets the satisfactory standards before it is formally submitted for consideration. This includes compliance by the applicant with the provisions of Chapter 2 of Part 5 (pre-application procedure) of the Planning Act and any applicable Regulations. It also means having regard by the applicant to any consultation responses and issues raised during applicant's pre-application consultation. In addition, the applicant must ensure that their application is consistent with the guidance contained in the National Policy Statements (NPS).

For more information on NPSs that set out government objectives for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) please see link below:

[attachment 1]

In terms of acceptance, the Secretary of State when deciding whether to accept an application must be satisfied that the application has been prepared to a satisfactory standard, whilst having regard to any standards and guidance made under section 37 of the Planning Act. As evidence, the applicant must also certify to the Secretary of State that it has complied with these requirements before examination of the application can commence.

If the application is accepted, it is for the appointed Examining Authority to decide how to examine the application. The ExA will make an initial assessment of the issues arising from the application based on its preliminary examination of the application documents (pre-application consultation for example). The ExA may also take into account any of the relevant representations received from interested parties. This initial assessment will guide the ExA to form a provisional view as to how the application is to be examined. I would therefore strongly encourage you to raise your concerns with your Local Planning Authority and/or make a relevant representation once the application is formally submitted and if it is accepted. Please do still contact the applicant at this stage as well should you have any specific questions about the project.

Moreover as you are probably aware the examination stage takes a form of consideration by the ExA of written representations as well as oral representations raised at the hearings; therefore the ExA must consider all the written submissions as a part of the its examination of the application. Once the Examination is completed, the ExA will write a report to the Secretary of State on the application setting out their findings, conclusions and recommendation on the decision to be made on the application.

For more information on how examination works, please find link to DCLG Guidance on examination of applications for development consent.

[attachment 2]

I hope that is helpful and do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further questions.

George Tranter

Enquiry regarding applicant's consultation in relation to Wrexham Energy Centre Project.
Further to my email, if you feel that consultation carried out by the applicant is inadequate or should you have any other concerns in relation to above application, I would strongly suggest that you make contact your local planning authority/ies.

As you may be aware, once Wrexham Energy Centre application is formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, the Inspectorate will ask local planning authorities affected by the proposal for a statement on the adequacy of the consultation. Local planning authorities represent their local areas and they act as a voice for their local communities. Moreover if the application reaches the stage of examination, appointed Examining Authority 'ExA' will invite relevant local planning authorities to submit the Local Impact Report (LIR). The purpose of such a document is to explain what are the views of the planning authority on whether the proposed development would have a positive or negative impact on their area; therefore I suggest that any concerns in relation to the proposed application are raised with the local planning authority who can then include those comments in their report.

Once the application is submitted and if it is accepted there will be an opportunity for everyone to raise their comments directly to the appointed ExA (the Planning Inspectorate). In order to be involved in the examination, you will be invited to make your comments by submitting relevant representation, once submitted it will give you a status of an Interested Party 'IP'. A Relevant Representation will allow you to submit your comments on whether you agree or disagree with the proposed application.

As you probably know, the pre-application consultation stage plays an important role within the Planning Act 2008 process. There are statutory requirements with which the applicant must fully comply with before submitting its application for consideration. Furthermore, the applicant must be satisfied that consultation carried at the pre-application stage was done to the highest possible standard. There is a duty on the applicant as well to have regard to those responses received at the pre-application consultation and that has to be clearly explained within the applicant's consultation report.

Please see Advice Note 1 on the Local Impact Report and DCLG Guidance on pre-application to which the applicants must have regard to.

Advice Note 1 - Local Impact Report

[attachment 1]

DCLG Guide

[attachment 2]

I hope that advice is helpful to you and do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further questions.

Kevin Braithwaite

Enquiry regarding examination stage of the application and request for further details on other projects.
Thank you for your email received 8 July 2013 and the interest in the above application.

As you are probably aware Wrexham Energy Centre project is currently at the pre-application stage of the Planning Act 2008 process; therefore the application has not been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate yet. Moreover at the pre-application stage, the applicant is the main point of contact until the Planning Inspectorate receives the application. I also suggest that you make the applicant aware of the content of your email and once the application is submitted and if accepted you will then have an opportunity to raise your comments directly to the appointed Examining Authority (ExA). Furthermore, please note that is for the appointed Examining Authority to decide how the application will be examined. The examination mainly takes a form of consideration of written representations and submissions received during hearings, if any have place.

In response to your question related to the other power station projects by Wrexham Energy Ltd, I can confirm that the Planning Inspectorate is aware of the Wrexham Energy Centre Project as the only project by the above developer that falls under the Planning Act 2008 regime. It may be helpful therefore to contact the developer directly to find out more about the other potential existing or proposed power stations within the areas mentioned in your email.

It may be also helpful to look at s14 of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended) onwards which describes what exactly falls under the 2008 Act regime and what classifies as the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. You may also wish to look at the National Policy Statements (NPSs) such as EN-1; EN-2; EN4 and EN5 that are relevant to specific types of infrastructure. Individual NPS sets out government?s objectives for the development of nationally significant infrastructure.

National Policy Statements

[attachment 1]

Advice Note 8.1 on how the process works available from link below:

[attachment 2]

Kevin Braithwaite

Enquiry regarding consultation carried out by the applicant in relation to Wrexham Energy Centre Project.
Dear Mr Jones

Thank you for your email 8 July 2013 regarding above application. I am writing on behalf of the Case Manager for Wrexham Energy Centre Project.

As you are probably aware Wrexham Energy Centre project is currently at the pre-application stage of the Planning Act 2008 process; therefore the application has not been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate yet.

I understand that your concerns relate to non-statutory consultation which is currently being undertaken by Wrexham Power Limited ' the applicant'.

We appreciate being informed and copied into correspondence in relation to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP). Please note however that during the pre-application stage, the developer is your main point of contact. I therefore suggest that you make the developer aware of your concerns in relation to their consultation.

If you however feel that consultation carried out is in any way inadequate or should you have any other concerns, I suggest that you raise it with your local planning authority/ies. In addition, once the application is formally submitted, the Planning Inspectorate will then request comments on the applicant?s adequacy of consultation from the local planning authorities in the surrounding area regarding the proposal.

Furthermore, if the application is accepted for examination there will be an opportunity for everyone to make a relevant representation in order to become an interested party for the project. Relevant representations can include comments on whether you agree or disagree with the application.

For more information please see our Advice Notes on:

Advice Notes 8.1 - 8.5 How the process works

[attachment 1]

Advice Note 16 - the pre-application consultation

[attachment 2]

I hope that information is helpful and please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further questions.

Gareth Jones

I'm sending you this e-mail to say why on earth would anyone want to tear up our beautiful countryside, North Wales is for the people who live here not for outsiders to come and put eyesores in Wrexham and make money, just reopen the recently closed nuclear ,coal and oil plants which already have pylons built in the rest of the UK.

I live in Marchwiel I've lived here for 46 years, we have views of Cheshire and Shropshire how dare outsiders come here and try to spoil our rural villages, We also have Erddig Hall which belongs to the National Trust. The five star Plassey Craft and Caravan Park, and Golf Club, Bangor on Dee Race Course.

As this gas fired power station WILL NOT benefit anyone in Wales, please just put it somewhere else, all it will do for us is make us ill, lesson tourism also upset our wildlife habitats such as swans, owls, newts, badgers, bats etc. Also our farmers and people who run livery and a riding school in the area will be effected.

There are better options for the Industrial Estate that could genuinely achieve the benefits with no requirements to spoil our environment e.g. a much smaller sustainable low carbon energy efficient plant.

As it is now we have bad reception for TV and Laptops, and we DON'T WANT noise from cable crackling and humming due to corona discharge, made worst by damp weather. Radio and TV interference.

This project breaks many of the Holford rules. There is also this FRACKING further down the line? Earthquakes/water supply risks, We DO NOT WANT 400kv SUPERSIZE 47 METRE HIGH TOWER PYLONS.

THERE IS NO WELCOME IN THE HILLSIDE FOR THIS POWER STATION, EVEN IF THE WELSH ASSEMBLY WOULD LIKE THIS TO HAPPEN, BUILD IT IN THE AREAS THAT NEED THE SUPPLY LET THEM HAVE THE THREAT OF ILL HEALTH AND LOSS OF PROPERTY PRICES GOING DOWN, BEAUTY SPOTS, WILDLIFE, AND TOURISM BEING SPOILT.

Many pensioner live in my village, good people who deserve to have peace, please look somewhere else.
Thank you for your e-mail dated 10 June 2013 in regard to the above project, please accept my apologies for the delay in replying to you. Your e-mail is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to continue to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have provided copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

Janet Allen

E-mail received by the Planning Inspectorate from Mr & Mrs A Jones:

We had a meeting in Marchwiel on 3rd June 2013 about the Pylons.

We strongly oppose the proposed north corridor option. The
infrastructure already exists for the Northern route. The southern route
would destroy the fiscal landscape of on are of virgin countryside.
The Southern route has been in existence since the 1950's and residents
within the vicinity have brought/sold their homes fully addicting the
existence
of the current system -
We in the north purchased our homes without the existence of pylons.
The pylons would also disrupt the bird and wildlife in this area.and
also significant increase in illness too.
Thank you for your e-mail dated 10 June 2013 in regard to the above project, please accept my apologies for the delay in replying to you. Your e-mail is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to continue to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have provided copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

Mr & Mrs A Jones

I understand from various items of correspondence that Wrexham Power have contacted the inspectorate for section 52 directions. My request is this
1. How many section 52 applications have been made in relation to landowners along the southern corridor?
2. How many such applications have been made in relation to landowners along the northern corridor?
Thank you for your email. I can confirm that we received 7 requests in relation to s53: Rights of Entry, under the Planning Act 2008 (as amended); 2 of the requests relate to the same parcel of land due to the fact there was a leaseholder and a landowner on the same parcel of land; I understand that all requests were along the southern corridor and have been granted by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The authorisation request and all correspondence received from the developer and the owners/occupiers will be published on the Planning Inspectorate's website, along with the Planning Inspectorate's Report and the notice setting out the decision; I would be happy to send you a link to the information when it is published if this would be of assistance to you. I have been advised that the information should be published on Wednesday 10 July.

The Planning Inspectorate has not received any requests under s52: Obtaining information about interests in land, under the Planning Act 2008 (as amended). Just for clarification, although you may be aware of this already; s52 relates to when the applicant is seeking information about land ownership and s53 requests are where the applicant is asking for permission for access to carry out surveys on the land.

I have attached the following advice note which has further information on section 53 of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended):

s53: Rights of Entry:

[attachment 1]

George Tranter

On behalf of the Chairperson and Committee of IMAGE I am writing to express our deep concern at the plans to develop a large gas-fired power station on the edge of Wrexham Industrial Estate, by Wrexham Power Limited.

IMAGE is a group of local people who are striving to improve the local environment and as such we are concerned with all aspects of the local area, not just those that affect directly Marford and Gresford. Development on the Wrexham Industrial Estate will affect communities from all around Wrexham, in different ways, even if not directly.

1. We object to the Power Station development because:

a. As Wales already produces more power than it uses we feel that these schemes should now be restrained to the areas which need the electricity.

b. There are better locations for such a development in the UK, such as the many recently closed nuclear, coal and oil plants which already have pylons in place.

c. As there is no proposal for a sub-station, the suggestion that the Industrial Estate will benefit is obviously misleading.

d. It is unlikely that the power station will provide anything other than basic jobs for local people as these jobs are highly specialised and people will be drawn from across the UK as appropriate.

e. The power station would be an intrusive eyesore for many communities around the Industrial Estate and would affect the approaches into Wrexham aesthetically.

f. Pollution from the plant could affect not only the Industrial Estate but also local villages including Holt and Farndon.

g. This is not a sustainable or low-carbon proposal when it could and should be. There will be an issue with the storage of carbon waste eventually ? either in Wrexham or out to sea?

2. We object to the proposed line of the pylons because:

a. The line of the pylons will go through many areas which are the gateway into Wrexham and which currently provide beautiful views which are a positive tourist attraction.

b. The area is one of the designated wards in the World Heritage Site Tourism project. It is unlikely that pylons come under this heading.

c. Development and installation of the pylons will affect wildlife habitats such as swans, owls, breeding goshawks, newts, badgers, otters and bats.

d. We are concerned about the health implications associated with pylons? electro-magnetic fields

e. We are concerned that what are currently unspoilt rural villages could have their house prices (never high at any time, compared to many other parts of the country) devalued and could make sale of homes and land difficult.

f. We are concerned at the noise pollution from the cables, a well-known effect of such high-powered pylon lines.

g. The project breaks many of the Holford Rules which give guidance about pylon routes. Along the proposed route are special and historic landscape areas and several listed buildings.

Overall, we are concerned that the Welsh Assembly Government?s One Wales Policy is being disregarded with regard to the Wellbeing of Local People.

We would like our objections taken into account with regard to this planning application and look forward to receiving an acknowledgement of receipt from your office
Thank you for your e-mail dated 6 July 2013 in regard to the above project. Your e-mail is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to continue to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have provided copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

Image - Barbara Watson

I object to the plans with regards to the proposed build of a gas fired power station at Wrexham Industrial Estate and the installation of pylons to connect it.

This plan will not provide a sustainable source of energy. It will not provide sustainable employment to residents of the area, nor probably the north wales region. It will blight the ecology in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is not an optimal geographical position for where demand resides.

I request further information regarding firm commitments to Wrexham Borough Council regarding the provision of long term sustainable employment to local residents and how power might be fed from any such site through other means than pylon.
Thank you for your e-mail dated 8 July 2013 in regard to the above project. Your e-mail is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to continue to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have provided copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

John Jorgensen

Letter received by the Planning Inspectorate from Miss Patricia Richards objecting to the proposed generating station.
Thank you for your letter dated 28 June 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have provided copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

Patricia Richards

E-mail received by the Planning Inspectorate by Mr George Tranter:

We exchanged letters in February regarding the above project when I complained about the failure of Wrexham Power to consult residents of Bangor on Dee regarding their proposals and in particular their claim that there was a preference for the southern electrical corridor when they had never sought our views.

You replied quite properly that this could be put right during the statutory consultation process. Unfortunately WPL appear to have taken an irreversible step. On 31st May Mr Daniel Chapman of WPL wrote to our MP Ms Susan Elan Jones regarding the proposals and included the following unequivocal statement

The Electrical Connection. We have compiled the coments and defined a revised corridor which broadly follows the southern route corridor, taking into consideration topography, existing vegetation, proximity to housing, settings of listed buildings and any landscape constraints.

I confess that I had expected the statutory consultation to be on both electrical corridors with WPL keeping both options open. That is clearly not the case which promptly sets at naught your carefully reasoned and appropriate comments about the procedures under sections 42 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008. In your letter you rightly said'"the applicant's consultation programme may evolve over time in response to comments received from consultees" We now know how things have evolved and I am at a loss to be able to say that there will ever be consultation by WPL that meets sections 42 and 47. Had they discussed matters with us on a choice of corridor basis and overruled our comments I could have no procedural grounds for complaint but they have not done so and I do need your advice on what procedure to follow in the absence of WPL repudiating their letter of 31st May which will be difficult as it is to the local MP
Thank you for your correspondence of 12 June 2013 regarding the above project. Please accept my apologies for the delay in replying to you.

In your correspondence you raise further concern about the consultation process carried out by Wrexham Power Ltd and state that the village of Bangor-on-Dee has, to date, been excluded from the consultation process. You also refer to a letter that the applicant has written to your local MP Ms Susan Elan Jones in which the applicant indicates that they have 'defined a revised corridor which broadly follows the southern route corridor'.

As you are already aware, the proposed project is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I again advise that you continue to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process and inform them that you consider their informal consultation to be unfair and inappropriate. You may also wish to continue to raise your concerns with Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) in order for them to take this into account when they are consulted on what should be included in the content of the applicant?s Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC) under s47(2) of the Planning Act 2008 (PA2008). WCBC should be well placed, having local knowledge to comment on such matters.

I understand that the developer has yet to commence statutory consultation under s42, 44 and 47 of the PA2008 on their proposals which the applicant must do before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate.

Please note that it is inappropriate for us to comment on the matter of consultation at this stage since it might be taken to pre-judging what decision the SoS may come to at acceptance stage on the adequacy of the developer?s pre-application consultation. As stated in s55 of the PA2008 ?Acceptance of Application? the SoS must, when deciding whether or not to accept the application for examination, amongst other matters, have regard to any representation received from any local authority consultee about the adequacy of the consultation and publicity undertaken by the developer at the pre-application stage.

George Tranter

E-mail received by the Planning Inspectorate from Megan Rathbone requesting an update as to the progress of Wrexham Power Ltd's request to survey in the locality under section53 of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended).
Thank you for your email and attachments of 1 July 2013.

As you are aware, the above proposal is currently at the pre-application stage of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended) ?PA 2008? process; therefore an application has not yet been formally submitted.

As explained in our previous reply to you the proposed scheme is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013, I therefore encourage you to continue to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

I can confirm, to date, that the Planning Inspectorate has received requests for authorisation to obtain rights of entry under section 53 of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended).

With regard to these access requests, they will be determined by the relevant Secretary of State and released by the end of this week. Following determination by the Secretary of State, the Planning Inspectorate will send a notice of the determination to the developer either authorising rights of access or refusing the requests with reason. The authorisation request and all correspondence received from the developer, and the owner/occupiers will be published on the Planning Inspectorate?s website, along with the Planning Inspectorate?s Report and the notice setting out the decision.

I have added a link to our advice notes, which provides further information on s53 ? Rights of Entry, of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended).

[attachment 1]

Megan Rathbone

Letter received from the Planning Inspectorate from Janet Hughes objecting to the proposed generating station and route corridor alignment for pylons.
Thank you for your letter in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have enclosed copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

Janet Hughes

Letter received by the Planning Inspectorate from Mr Mason objecting to the proposed generating station.
Thank you for your letter dated 14 June 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have provided copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

I hope this information has been of use to you, please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further questions.

D Mason

Letter received by the Planning Inspectorate from Mrs E. Martin objecting to the proposed generating station and route corridor alignment.
Thank you for your letter dated 7 June 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to continue to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have enclosed copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

E. Martin

Letter received by the Planning Inspectorate from Mr Pickstone objecting to the proposed generating station.
Thank you for your letter dated 5 June 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to continue to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have provided links to copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

C.D Pickstone

As a business owner and resident of the area ( Post code LL13) I write to object to the proposal to build a gas fired Power Station bordering Wrexham Industrial Estate

My chief objections / questions are:

Why a green field site? - there are many, many brown field sites throughout the UK that could and indeed should be used

Why North Wales? - Wrexham, indeed North Wales already has no need for more power

Why no substation? - therefore no extra power to the Industrial Estate ? wrong plant for ?sales??

This is not a low carbon proposal? - CO2 dispersal storage / underground / out to sea - effects and costs of this?

How many jobs? - are they guaranteed?

- Have we researched the Wrexham job seeker profile?

- Will Wrexham job seekers be correctly skilled / qualified?

Who are Wrexham Power? - track record, authentic and relevant experience?

- are they local people?

- do they have an interest in the success and well-being of the area?

- long term plans?

- accuracy of the information they are giving?

What will the impact be on the local area? - tourism and visitors to the area

? jobs / local businesses

- habitat ? World Heritage site? Wildlife?

How does this fit with ?One Wales? - the well-being of the local people and visitors WILL be affected

- health implications are well documented / proven
Thank you for your e-mail dated 5 June 2013 in regard to the above project. Your e-mail is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have provided links to copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

Maggie Colman

Letter received by the Planning Inspectorate from Mrs Karen Jones objecting to the proposed generating station and route corridor alignment for pylons.
Thank you for your letter dated 5 June 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have provided links to copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

Karen Jones

I am writing to you today on behalf of most residents of our village as we have been informed that the ultimate decision for building a power station and errecting pylons here is yours. Many people will have already written to you. We live in Bangor on Dee which is an unspoilt rural village in North Wales.
The reason I am writing to you is to object to a current proposal by a company, who have called themselves Wrexham Power, (though they have nothing to do with Wrexham and are based in central Birmingham, hours away from here). They propose to build a gas fired power station on the edge of Wrexham industrial estate plus several huge and ugly 47 metre high pylons across the beautiful unspoilt countryside surrounding our village. It appears that this project is purely for financial gain. Hence my aguments are thus:


1.Whilst the UK needs more power, there is no genuine need for a scheme of this enormity in our area. Wales already produces more power than it needs.
2.There are many better locations in the UK such as many recently closed nuclear, coal and oil plants which have pylons in place already.
3.There is no proposal for a sub-station, so claims that this will benefit the industrial estate saying it will supply power directly onto it, are flawed.
4.There are better options for the Industrial Estate that could genuinely achieve the benefits with no requirement to spoil our environment such as a much smaller sustainable low carbon energy efficient plant.
5. Claims of this being a large supply of jobs is dubious. Many of the highly skilled workers needed for a plant this size will be brought in from elsewhere.
6. Pollution, such as constant crackling noise and magnetic fields will effect the whole area plus villages as far as Farndon and Holt. It will produce up to 1.8 million tonnes per year of CO2 which will need to be stored undergroud or shipped out to Sea.
7. Bangor on Dee is full of children as are all the affected villages who will be subject to huge amounts of pollution plus there will be a massive impact on an area rich in biodiversity with wildlife habitats for swans, ducks, owls, newts, badgers, otters, bats to name a few. We have many visitors such as walkers, fishermen, birdwatchers, holiday makers etc which will lessen with these proposed pylons.
8.There is a definite risk tourism as the once beautiful views will go replaced by industrial landscapes. There is an award winning leisure park where holiday makers come to get away from industrial landscapes and urban views. The area is designated in the World Heritage Site Tourism project. This would be ruined.

And finally THE WELLBEING OF LOCAL PEOPLE is a fundamental policy in the Welsh Assembly Government's 'One Wales policy'.
Thank you for your e-mail dated 24 May 2013 in regard to the above project. Your e-mail is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have enclosed copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

Nicola Dickson

As a resident of Marchwiel, I object strongly to the proposed development of a gas fired power station at the nearby Wrexham Industrial Estate. There are, of course pros and cons to the scheme, but I feel there are more disadvantages than advantages.
Wrexham, indeed North Wales, has no need whatsoever for this type of power plant and to site it at an industrial estate which is nowhere near the electricity sub-station it serves, further adds to local problems in the transit of the electricity through oversized and hideous pylons.
The pylons, whichever route is chosen, will directly affect my own and neighbouring properties, the most obvious impact being the permanent defacement of natural and beautiful countryside. The size of the proposed edifices will scar what is currently an uninterrupted view of green pasture, and will certainly have a direct effect on any future resale value of my own property. Who will compensate me for that? There would also be a threat to the biodiversity of the area with flora and fauna being irreparably displaced. I believe also there is a strong possibility of noise pollution (buzzing and humming from the wires), and interference to radio and TV signals, especially in damp conditions. There is also the worry of health implications from these pylons due to the electro-magnetic fields they produce.
Whilst I understand there may be benefits such as employment, the likelihood is that these ?specialised? jobs will only be for outsiders, NOT work for the local population which is desperately required in Wrexham. The 1200 construction jobs mentioned on the Wrexham-power website will of course only be temporary and again would possibly be taken up by workers from outside our region.

Finally, I do not think the scheme as a whole is as ?green? as the website seems to make out, and with the possible future threat of ?fracking?, my objection to the whole development is paramount. I, along with much of my local community, will fight this preposterous plan until the idea is fully dropped!
Please find the time to reply to my letter, as my concern is growing regarding this particular scheme. I look forward to your prompt response.
Thank you for your letter dated 29 May 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, and to have regard to questions and suggestions made in order to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have provided links to copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

Mr & Mrs Galley

Letter and signed petition received by the Planning Inspectorate from Megan Rathbone co-founder of WRAPS (Wrexham Residents Against Power Scheme), objecting to the proposed generating station and route corridor alignment.
Thank you for your letter and accompanying petition objecting to the above project. Your letter and accompanying petition is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage and your comments will remain on our file.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process with your petition as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the developer has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have enclosed copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

WRAPS - Megan Rathbone

Letter received by the Planning Inspectorate from Brian Gresty objecting to the proposed generating station and route corridor alignment.
Thank you for your letter dated 16 May 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have enclosed copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

Brian Gresty

Letter received by the Planning Inspectorate objecting the proposed generating station and route corridor alignment.
Thank you for your letter dated 16 May 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have enclosed copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

Red Lion Pub Marchwiel

Letter received by the Planning Inspectorate from Janet Gresty objecting the proposed generating station and route corridor alignment.
Thank you for your letter dated 15 May 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have enclosed copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

Janet Gresty

E-mail received by the Planning Inspectorate from Patricia Jones:

I am writing to express my objection to the proposed building of a gas
fired power station on the Wrexham Industrial Estate. I live in Cross
Lanes, quite close to the Industrial Estate and have concerns on a
number of fronts. The following summarises my concerns.

Firstly that this is the wrong place for a power station because:
? It would be unsightly, being so tall and being surrounded by
beautiful countryside
? All the proposed sites are too close to houses, schools and other
businesses ? this is a worry because of noise, potential other
forms of pollution and general wellbeing
? There is no reason to site it in the Industrial Estate, in Wrexham or
in fact, in Wales at all, given that Wales already creates
more power than it consumes
? Neither the job benefits for the local population nor the electricity
benefits for Wrexham stand up to scrutiny

Secondly it is the wrong kind of power station:
? It burns fossil fuels, which is against the principles developed by
the Welsh Government for construction development
? I have heard that these kind of power stations may become illegal in
the future
? Gas would have to be piped miles to the power station, incurring even
more environmental harm
? We are all trying to reduce our carbon footprint ? this flies on the
face of all we are striving to achieve

Thirdly, I have concerns over the pylons, in whichever corridor they
lie:
? They are too big and unsightly for this kind of an area
? There are concerns about environmental impact and noise
? They are planned to go through protected natural areas.

Fourthly I am very angry that Wrexham Council has supported a
consortium of businesses,
? some of whom have offshore headquarters and may not therefore be
paying their full share of corporation tax to this country
? does not even have a track record of working together
? does not have any proven track record in constructing and running
this kind of plant.

Lastly, I am very concerned about the lack of information and the poor
way in which the pre-consultation was carried out.
? Houses in the local area that were not in villages were not
leafleted, often those closest to the proposed site
? The responses to the points raised by local residents were not
adequately answered, often indicating that the answers to our
points were not even available yet - obviously we
are concerned that when they are ?ready? it will be too late
? There was no information provided about noise pollution, which is one
of my main concerns
? There were a lot of ?leading? questions which I consider to be a very
poor way to consult and certainly is not best practice
according to the Welsh Government.

It appears that this gas fired power station development has been
motivated not by the general well being and prosperity of local
residents, which should be the business of the council, but by hurried,
pragmatic decision-making and private profit.

I would be grateful if you would respond to this email, answering each
of the points made.
Thank you for your e-mail dated 20 May 2013 in regard to the above project. Your e-mail is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

As you have raised concerns at the level of consultation you may wish to contact your local authority as they will have the opportunity to report on their view of the adequacy of the developer?s pre-application consultation, when the application is formally submitted. The local authority also is consulted by the applicant on the content of its Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC). This is a statement setting out how the applicant proposes to consult the community about the proposed application. The local authority has valuable experience in consultation and knowledge of the local community which can be fed into this SoCC.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have enclosed copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

Patricia Jones

E-mail received by the Planning Inspectorate from Steven and Joanne Goodison:

We wish to let you know our objections to the proposed Wrexham Power Scheme as residents of the area:

We would like to ask why they are considering building here when we don't need in this area the extra electricity which will be generated-so why here? Why not the south of England where they will be using it!

What will they do with the carbon waste? We have a wonderful recycling record here but this is something really different and specialised.

What can you tell us about the impact on Tourism in the area?

We have been led to believe that the company is based in Birmingham and is nothing to do with Wrexham Power and it has even been suggested that it may be sold before it is even built! Clearly a business for profit initiative and nothing to do with sustainable energy!

As WCBC are clearly installing solar energy with solar panels on their rented properties why are they not going down the renewable energies path?

We have serious concerns re health issues particularly with the village primary school in close proximity to the station and pylons as well as all our local families.
Thank you for your e-mail dated 20 May 2013 in regard to the above project. Your e-mail is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have enclosed copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

Steven & Joanne Goodison

E-mail sent to the Planning Inspectorate from the Owen family:

I write on behalf of myself and family. We farm in the area at risk from invasion by the gas pipes and pylons proposed by Wrexham Power. The proposals will ruin the family business and leave us without an income, spoil and deface old meadow land and disrupt all our lives. Wrexham Power have been less than honest when it comes to presenting their proposals and research into the background of the company has set alarm bells ringing. I do hope this is just one of many letters that you will receive and to which you will give your full attention and sympathy. In great hope The Owen Family
The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013.

At this stage of the process, I encourage you to contact the developer directly with any comments you may have regarding the scheme as the developer is required to carry out extensive consultation on their proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate.

The developer?s extensive consultation involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State, a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended), which includes certain local authorities and statutory bodies, persons with interest in the land and members of the public.

I have attached copies of the following advice notes which may be of interest to you; these include further information on the planning process:

Advice Note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice Note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

Sue Owen

E-mail from Shona Newton sent to the Planning Inspectorate in regard to s53 of the Planning Act 2008:

Having tried and failed to obtain information from WPL with regard to proposals for a gas fired Power Station in Wrexham, we wrote to St Modwen Plc who are 50% owners of WPL, to see if they could help. We asked them to obtain answers to some specific questions and to bring local concerns with regard to the company to their attention. A copy of this correspondence is enclosed.

I am a landowner of part of the route to which WPL are requesting access. I can confirm that I have received no literature or other correspondence from WPL with regard to its proposal to build a power station on the Wrexham Industrial Estate with related pylon infrastructure.

WPL state they have communicated with the interested parties with the power station site and related pylon route, claiming

1. To have communicated with affected landowners and other interested parties

2. To have distributed over 6,000 leaflets to relevant parties

I have spoken to numerous affected residents and landowners and am yet to meet anyone who has received one of the 6,000 leaflets said to have been distributed.

I understand that approximately six landowners have received communication under the s53 Planning Act 2008 with regard to access onto their land and that WPL say that all the other landowners have agreed to their access request. I have spoken to many of these landowners and I can categorically confirm that few if any have agreed to access and that several, like myself, have received no communication from the company.

I am aware of widespread concern with regard to WPL?s attitude towards the consultation process that they have in place. Five public exhibition events were held by WPL last year but the lack of public awareness can be shown in the small number attending, approx. 130 people in total, with only 18 expressing a view on the pylon route.

Together with the above letter I also enclose a copy of St Modwen Plc's reply which together with the reply from WPL clearly shows that WPL?s approach to consultation is to forward a standard letter relating to process instead of answering genuine concerns and questions relating to the proposal. This is not unique, the same response relating to process and not answering questions has been used with other correspondents incl. in the enclosed letter to Ms Susan Jones MP.

To summarise, I firmly believe that the lack of correspondence with affected parties and the stock answers as evidenced in the enclosed correspondence is evidence that WPL are not adequately following consultation procedures.

I should be grateful if you could take into account the above evidence when coming to a conclusion with regard to WPL?s access requests
In line with our policy as set out in Advice Note 5 (I have attached a copy for your information) only the affected owners or occupiers are being asked to comment on the current authorisation requests. We will not therefore be able to take account of your comments when we consider the request from Wrexham Power Ltd for access under Section 53 of the Planning Act.

The Planning Inspectorate can only comment on the requests before it. If you have concerns about Wrexham Power seeking access to your land we would advise you to contact them directly.

Until a development consent order (DCO) application is made to the Planning Inspectorate comments or queries about the development should be directed to the developer, Wrexham Power Limited . Please note that the applicant will have to undertake a formal consultation with the local community before submitting an application; we understand that this consultation has not yet begun. This consultation involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted.

Following submission of the DCO application, which we currently expect to be between September-December this year, and provided that it is accepted by the Inspectorate for examination, then you may wish to make a relevant representation to register as an Interested Party. This would allow you to take part in the examination of the proposal should you wish to do so. Please find links below to our advice notes 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 which explain how to respond to the applicant's formal pre-application consultation and how to register as an Interested Party.

[attachment 1]

[attachment 2]

[attachment 3]

Information about the proposed development can be found on the webpage for the project on the Planning Portal -

[attachment 4]

Shona Newton

Letter received from Mr Richard Smith objecting with the proposed generating station and route corridor alignment.
Thank you for your letter dated 5 May 2013 regarding the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you will be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

Therefore at this current stage I encourage you to contact the developer directly with comments regarding any aspects of the proposed project, as you may know the ?pre-application? stage is the best time to influence a project whether you support it, think it could be improved or oppose it.

Before submitting an application to The Planning Inspectorate, the developer is required to carry out extensive consultation on their proposals. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted.

I have enclosed the following advice notes which may be of interest to you, which include further information on the planning process:

Advice Note 8.1: How the process works

Advice Note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

Richard Smith

Email received by the Planning Inspectorate from Jennifer Hincks:

I wish to protest at the proposed power station on the Wrexham industrial estate and also the pylons due to be erected in this area. I am a resident of 40 years in the village of Bangor-on-Dee and believe that pylons would detract from the beautiful views and the reputation that this village has for being a outdoor venue on summer evenings down by the river.
There is also the noise pollution from cables, and health implications for the villagers, and also many caravaners use the racecourse in the summer.
Do we actually need a power station in Wrexham.? I was under the impression that all needs were met in the Wrexham area.
Has work been done to merit the need of this eyesore in our part of this lovely countryside?
I do hope for a speedy reply to my questions
Thank you for your e-mail dated 7 May 2013 in regard to the above project. Your e-mail is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

I have attached copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process

Advice note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

Jennifer Hincks

E-mail received from Mr Richard Williams:

I am writing to inform you of my objections to the above named proposed power station. As a local resident I am strongly opposed to this and feel many statements made by Wrexham Power are false. My opposition is listed below:-

The land is greenbelt.
The land has a small wood which is the only one in the near vacinity.
This wood has various wildlife which would be destroyed or move away. (newts, otters and badgers to name but a few).
The areas visual enjoyment would be spoilt.
This wood also provides the only area where local school children can play safely.
Local residents use this wood to walk their dogs.
Wrexham Power say Wrexham requires more power. Not true-Wales already produces more power than it uses.
There are many recently closed facilities around the UK that would make alot more sense to use.
Wrexham Power claims this facility will provide jobs for local people. Once the plant is built there will not be that many jobs, many of which will be highly specialised so workers will be brought in from outside the area.
The risk of pollution affecting the local villages.
This area is not a part of Wrexham Industrial Estate.
There are numerous other areas within Wrexham Industrial Estate that are more suitable that would not spoil our environment.

SUPERSIZE PYLONS

This project breaks many of the 'Holford rules', which give guidance around pylon routes.
Unspoilt rural villages will be spoilt.
All countryside views will be spoilt.
Wildlife destroyed.
Noise pollution from cables.
Health implication of pylons.
Finally, a fundamental policy in the Welsh Government's 'One Wales Policy' is the 'Wellbeing of Local People'.
Thank you for your e-mail dated 7 May 2013 in regard to the above project. Your e-mail is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

I have attached copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process

Advice note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

Richard Williams

E-mail received from Mr Nigel Denton:

I am writing to you to object in the most strongest terms to the proposal of Wrexham Power Limited to build a Power Station on the Wrexham Industrial Estate and the proposed route (North and South) for the power line and pylons.

I strongly believe that your proposals are not founded on reasonable grounds. There is no need for a power station in this area as we already have a surplus of electricity produced here over what is used. How can you justify your decision to site your proposed site in this area, surely logic would dictate that other areas would be more suitable? There are areas of the UK where older power stations are being closed leaving suitable sites for new development. What was the basis for your decision to choose Wrexham over other areas?

There would appear to be no benefits at all for the local area in your proposals despite what your literature claims, particularly you have produced no proof of any unreliable supply to Wrexham industrial estate or produced any other cogent arguments as to why such a project is justified..

Additionally you do not appear to have considered a sustainable low carbon alternative development? Surely you could work with the local authority to develop a smaller and sustainable power project that would be able to connect into the Scottish Power system thereby delivering real benefits without pylons. It appears your project is based on the desire to make profit alone and takes no account of the affect to the local area and its residents.

Your proposals will have a devastating affect on Bangor-on-Dee and its surrounding area including disruption during construction, real anxiety for residents over health issues not to mention a scar on the landscape of a peaceful residential area. The environmental damage that would be caused by your development should not be underestimated either, wildlife will be badly disrupted as well as the fishing and walking and other rural pursuits currently being enjoyed.

I therefore await your urgent response to the questions have raised.
Thank you for your e-mail dated 7 May 2013 in regard to the above project. Your e-mail is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to continue to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have attached copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process

Advice note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

Nigel Denton

A letter from Mr Robertson included the following:

I wish to offer objections to the proposed Power Station construction on the Wrexham Industrial Estate and corresponding pylon corridor re Bangor-on-Dee and the surrounding area.
A) Our village, Bangor-on-Dee, was not informed of these proposals as you have indicated to various officials. Can you supply evidence of such provision as not a single inhabitant of B.O.D can be found who has received such?
B) It is indicated the proposed new pylons (of enormous size) will not merely replace the proliferation of existing pylons at B.O.D but will run alongside them. As this will create a monstrous collection of both pylons and overhead cables can you inform me ?
1) Why there is need for pylons of this size?
2) Why you cannot utilise the existing pylons or remove them?
C) As reliable information says power generated from the proposed station and transmission system is not required in the Wrexham area, or indeed in the whole of Wales and supply will be gridded to the South of England where there is a need.
1) Can you show that more suitable sites, including existing stations due for closure, in the southern regions and therefore closer to areas of requirement have been fully examined?
2) Will you indicate why a pylon corridor straddling the tourist area in the Lower Dee Valley of North Wales offers a better alternative to sites nearer the greatest areas of demand in the South East of England?
D) The proposals will affect the wildlife in the area -
1)Bangor-on-Dee has for generations been home to a large population of mute swans (upwards of 120 ? 130) plus annual migratory whooper swans from Iceland and Eastern section of the River Dee is a daily flight zone necessitating flights over and under the existing pylons. A great many swans have been killed or injured through collision with pylons.
Can you tell me what steps will be taken to ensure your proposals will not exacerbate the situation?
3) Numerous badger setts are sited at B.O.D many close or under pylons along the proposed southern corridor. As badgers are legally protected, what steps will you take to ensure their safety?
(For your information I intend bringing your proposals to the notice of ?The Badger Trust?)
4) Otters have recently returned to the River Dee at Bangor, with their setts sited particularly close to pylon construction. Having not been seen on our river for decades what steps will you take to secure the continued presence of these rare and special creatures?
(Again I will forward your proposals and details of the local situation to ?The Otter Society of Great Britain?)
E) Finally what compensation policy will you put in place for house owners with regard to the devaluation of property as will most certainly occur as a result of an historic riverside village being despoiled by
1) the construction of pylons of such an immense size in the immediate area
2) the threat of pollution from the nearby cooling towers
3) the possibility of mental stress this might cause to residents
Thank you for your letter dated 11 April 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to continue to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

As you have raised concerns at the level of consultation you may wish to contact your local authority as they will have the opportunity to report on their view of the adequacy of the developer?s pre-application consultation, when the application is formally submitted. The local authority also is consulted by the applicant on the content of its Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC). This is a statement setting out how the applicant proposes to consult the community about the proposed application. The local authority has valuable experience in consultation and knowledge of the local community which can be fed into this SoCC.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have enclosed copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

Ian Robertson

E-mail sent to the Planning Inspectorate from Mr Gareth Jones:

I understand that the above company have applied for access under s53 of the Planning Act 2008 to land affected by a proposed pylon route. I am advised that the company claim to have been in communication with residents and others that could be affected by their proposals. As a resident living within 200yards of the route I can confirm that I have received no literature from the company with regard to their plans and I am not aware of anyone in the area that has received such communication.

In their application to you I believe that they claim that only the landowners mentioned in their application have refused them access permission. In fact I have myself talked to many owners of land on the route who have stated categorically that no such permission has been given. Other landowners have received no communication at all with regard to the application or with regard to access permission and my daughter is one such landowner.

I also have environmental concerns with regard to the route and should be grateful if you could contact me by phone to advise me how/when I should bring these to your attention.
We are currently dealing with seven Section 53 requests from Wrexham Power Limited. The landowners and occupiers directly affected by the requests are currently being given the opportunity to provide any comments they wish to make on the authorisation requests before a recommendation is made to the Secretary of State on whether access to the affected land should be granted.

In line with our policy as set out in Advice Note 5 (I have attached a copy for your information) only the affected owners or occupiers are being asked to comment on the current authorisation requests. The purpose of the consultation is to help us reach a balanced view on the question of whether the applicant has met the statutory requirements . The Planning Inspectorate can only comment on the requests before it. If you have concerns about Wrexham Power seeking access to your land we would advise you to contact Wrexham Power Limited directly.

Until a development consent order (DCO) application is made to the Planning Inspectorate comments or queries about the development should be directed to Wrexham Power Limited. Please note that the applicant will have to undertake a formal consultation with the local community before submitting an application; we understand that this consultation has not yet begun. Following submission of the DCO application, which we currently expect to be between September-December this year, and provided that it is accepted by the Inspectorate for examination, then you may wish to make a relevant representation to register as an Interested Party. This would allow you to take part in the examination of the proposal should you wish to do so. I have attached copies of our advice notes 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 which explain how to respond to the applicant's formal pre-application consultation and how to register as an Interested Party.Information about the proposed development can be found on the webpage for the project on the Planning Portal -
[attachment 1]

Gareth Jones

Mr Braithwaite's e-mail below:

I wish to log an objection to the proposed building of a Gas Power Station on the Wrexham Industrial Estate.
I have a number of reasons for my objection, not least of which is the size of it.
We already have excess capacity in Wales and the North West of the UK.
Would it not be more sensible to build it on a soon to close existing power station site nearer the South of the country where the power is needed.
It?s too big for the Wrexham Industrial Estate, it will mar green field sites and presumably our growth in tourism.
Much better to build a smaller more efficient plant that can be utilised to serve the local community, if indeed they need serving!

Who do I direct my thoughts to please?
Thank you for your e-mail dated 11 April 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Please find links below to the following advice notes which may be of interest to you, which include further information on the planning process:

Advice Note 8.1: How the process works - [attachment 1]

and

Advice Note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation - [attachment 2]

Kevin Braithwaite

Mr Braithwaite emailed in to ask who he needs to direct his comments regarding the application by Wrexham Power Limited for the proposed Wrexham Energy Centre.
Dear Mr Braithwaite,

Application by Wrexham Power Limited for the proposed Wrexham Energy Centre

Thank you for your e-mail dated 11 April 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Please find links below to the following advice notes which may be of interest to you, which include further information on the planning process:

Advice Note 8.1: How the process works - (see attachment)

and

Advice Note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation - (see attachment)

I hope the information provided has been of use to you, please do not hesitate to contact us again should you have any further questions.


Yours sincerely


Tracey Williams
Case Manager
Major Applications and Plans,
The Planning Inspectorate,
Temple Quay House,
Temple Quay,
Bristol,
BS1 6PN
Direct Line: 0303 444 5085
Helpline: 0303 444 5000
Email:[email protected]

Kevin Braithwaite

Letter sent to the Planning Inspectorate objecting to the proposed scheme. Particular points raised on consultation, the requirement for extra generating capacity locally, information provided on the developer's website, health risks and environmental considerations.
Thank you for your letter dated 9 April 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to continue to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

As you have raised concerns at the level of consultation you may wish to contact your local authority as they will have the opportunity to report on their view of the adequacy of the developer?s pre-application consultation, when the application is formally submitted. The local authority also is consulted by the applicant on the content of its Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC). This is a statement setting out how the applicant proposes to consult the community about the proposed application. The local authority has valuable experience in consultation and knowledge of the local community which can be fed into this SoCC.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a



period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have enclosed copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

Russi Dubash

Mrs Deadman wrote to the Planning Inspectorate expressing concerns regarding the proposed power station and route corridor. Mrs Deadman also expressed concern regarding the applicant's consultation process along the proposed Southern pylon route.
Thank you for your letter dated 7 April 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to continue to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

I have enclosed the following advice notes which may be of interest to you, which include further information on the planning process:

Advice Note 8.1: How the process works

Advice Note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

J.A Deadman

Letter received from Denise Manchester objecting to the proposed scheme. See attached.
Thank you for your letter dated 3 April 2013 in regard to the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you may be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013. I therefore encourage you to continue to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. I am aware that, to date the applicant has carried out informal consultation on this project.

At the pre-application stage of the process, the developer is required to carry out extensive statutory consultation (under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008) on the proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non-statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

As you have raised concerns at the level of consultation you may wish to contact your local authority as they will have the opportunity to report on their view of the adequacy of the developer?s pre-application consultation, when the application is formally submitted. The local authority also is consulted by the applicant on the content of its Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC). This is a statement setting out how the applicant proposes to consult the community about the proposed application. The local authority has valuable experience in consultation and knowledge of the local community which can be fed into this SoCC.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to Examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to consult and have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008.

I have enclosed copies of the following Planning Inspectorate Advice Notes which may be of interest to you. These include further information on the planning process.

Advice note 8.1: How the process works

Advice note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

I hope this information has been of use to you, please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further questions.

Denise Manchester

Letter received objecting to the proposed generating station and route corridor alignment; Mr Goodall has also presented his counter arguments to the projected enclosed in his letter.
The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre is currently at the pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2013.



At this stage of the process, I encourage you to contact the developer directly with any comments you may have regarding the scheme as the developer is required to carry out extensive consultation on their proposals before submitting their application to the Planning Inspectorate.



The developer?s extensive consultation involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted.



Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State, a period of 28 days is given to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended), which includes certain local authorities and statutory bodies, persons with interest in the land and members of the public.



I have attached copies of the following advice notes which may be of interest to you; these include further information on the planning process:



Advice Note 8.1: How the process works



Advice Note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

Nicholas Goodall

Meeting with the applicant to provide an update on the project.
Please see meeting note attached.

Wrexham Energy Centre - Karl Craddick

Questions asked by the developer Wrexham Power Limited from a meeting with the Planning Inspectorate on 5 March 2013. Questions and answers below.
Q.1) In the meeting you sought confirmation on whether the gas connection supply pipeline is integral to the power station proposal and constitutes one NSIP and whether it should be included in the redline boundary?
As discussed in our meeting it is for the applicant to decide whether the gas connection pipeline is integral to the power station NSIP and to include it the DCO. Once you have decided on the route or route(s) of the Gas connection the red line boundary of the DCO should include the route option(s) and have informed your Environmental Statement.
Q.2) You asked whether we could confirm whether the pylon sealing end compounds can be defined as integral development to the Overhead Line NSIP and you note that Annex A of DCLG Guidance on Associated Development provides a list of examples of the types of development that may qualify as Associated development and that ?sealing end compounds? is one of those indicated.
At this stage in the process we have minimal information on the location and size of the sealing end compounds to be able to comment. Nevertheless, it is for the applicant to decide whether the sealing end compounds should be included as integral to the electricity connection NSIP. When you draft your DCO you will need to justify each component of the development and explain why you think it is integral to the DCO and not associated development. At the moment the application is at the pre-application stage. As the application evolves you will need to provide information on what ?sealing compounds? are and where they will be located. It would be useful if you could indicate when this information is forthcoming.
As you have already highlighted in paragraph 3.5.1 of your Legal Opinion the Localism Act 2011 has removed the reference to the SoS having regard to the Associated Development guidance when deciding if a component of the scheme is or isn?t associated development.
Q.3) In paragraph 1.10 of your Legal Opinion you refer to correspondence you have received from Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) that states that all ?significant elements? of the proposal, including the gas supply line should be grouped in a single DCO and considered as a whole under the PA 2008.
You may wish to seek a view from WCBC on whether they view any components of the application as associated development.
Q.4) In paragraphs 4.5.5 to 4.5.8 of your Legal opinion you refer to text from the Secretary of State?s Scoping Opinion that is consistent with your interpretation of the various components of the scheme. The text states that ?the energy centre will require a pipeline connecting it to the NTS to obtain gas. It will also require connections to National Grid?s electricity network. And these connections will be included in the DCO?.
May I clarify that this information is actually taken from your Scoping Report (paragraphs 1.5 and 1.31) and was not the SoS expressing a view on your proposal. The text was used to provide a summary of the proposal.

Savills - Karl Cradick

Letter objecting to the proposed generating station and route corridor alignment.
Thank you for your letter dated 16 March 2013 regarding the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you will be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

Therefore at this current stage I encourage you to contact the developer directly with comments regarding any aspects of the proposed project, as you may know the ?pre-application? stage is the best time to influence a project whether you support it, think it could be improved or oppose it.

Before submitting an application to The Planning Inspectorate, the developer is required to carry out extensive consultation on their proposals. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted.

I have enclosed the following advice notes which may be of interest to you, which include further information on the planning process:

Advice Note 8.1: How the process works

Advice Note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

I hope the information provided has been of use to you, please do not hesitate to contact us again should you have any further questions

Elsie Hughes

Confirmation sought on whether the gas connection supply pipeline is integral to the power station proposal and constitutes one NSIP.

Confirmation sought on whether the pylon sealing end compounds can be defined as integral development to the Overhead Line NSIP.
Further to our meeting with you on Tuesday 5 March 2013 please see our response below to the points/questions that came out of the meeting.

Q.1) In the meeting you sought confirmation on whether the gas connection supply pipeline is integral to the power station proposal and constitutes one NSIP and whether it should be included in the redline boundary?
As discussed in our meeting it is for the applicant to decide whether the gas connection pipeline is integral to the power station NSIP and to include it the DCO. Once you have decided on the route or route(s) of the Gas connection the red line boundary of the DCO should include the route option(s) and have informed your Environmental Statement.

Q.2) You asked whether we could confirm whether the pylon sealing end compounds can be defined as integral development to the Overhead Line NSIP and you note that Annex A of DCLG Guidance on Associated Development provides a list of examples of the types of development that may qualify as Associated development and that ?sealing end compounds? is one of those indicated.
At this stage in the process we have minimal information on the location and size of the sealing end compounds to be able to comment. Nevertheless, it is for the applicant to decide whether the sealing end compounds should be included as integral to the electricity connection NSIP. When you draft your DCO you will need to justify each component of the development and explain why you think it is integral to the DCO and not associated development. At the moment the application is at the pre-application stage. As the application evolves you will need to provide information on what ?sealing compounds? are and where they will be located. It would be useful if you could indicate when this information is forthcoming.
As you have already highlighted in paragraph 3.5.1 of your Legal Opinion the Localism Act 2011 has removed the reference to the SoS having regard to the Associated Development guidance when deciding if a component of the scheme is or isn?t associated development.

Q.3) In paragraph 1.10 of your Legal Opinion you refer to correspondence you have received from Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) that states that all ?significant elements? of the proposal, including the gas supply line should be grouped in a single DCO and considered as a whole under the PA 2008.
You may wish to seek a view from WCBC on whether they view any components of the application as associated development.

Q.4) In paragraphs 4.5.5 to 4.5.8 of your Legal opinion you refer to text from the Secretary of State?s Scoping Opinion that is consistent with your interpretation of the various components of the scheme. The text states that ?the energy centre will require a pipeline connecting it to the NTS to obtain gas. It will also require connections to National Grid?s electricity network. And these connections will be included in the DCO?.
May I clarify that this information is actually taken from your Scoping Report (paragraphs 1.5 and 1.31) and was not the SoS expressing a view on your proposal. The text was used to provide a summary of the proposal.

Wrexham Energy Centre - Carl Kradick

Letter received from Ms J.A Price objecting to the proposed generating station and route corridor alignment.
Thank you for your letter dated 16 March 2013 regarding the above project. Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you will be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre project is currently at pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to The Planning Inspectorate in late 2013.

I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project.

Before submitting an application to The Planning Inspectorate, the developer is required to carry out extensive consultation on their proposals. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

I have enclosed the following advice notes which may be of interest to you, which include further information on the planning process:

Advice Note 8.1: How the process works

Advice Note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

I hope the information provided has been of use to you, please do not hesitate to contact us again should you have any further questions.

J.A Price

E-mail received from Miss Karen Roberts objecting to the proposed scheme.
Thank you for your e-mail dated 14 March 2013 regarding the above project. Your e-mail is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you will be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this e-mail for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre project is currently at pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to The Planning Inspectorate in late 2013.

I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project.

Before submitting an application to The Planning Inspectorate, the developer is required to carry out extensive consultation on their proposals. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

I have attached links to advice notes below which may be of interest to you, which include further information on the planning process:

Advice Note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]

Advice Note 8.2: Responding to the developer's pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]

I hope the information provided has been of use to you, please do not hesitate to contact us again should you have any further questions.

Karen Roberts

Meeting with the applicant to provide an update on the project.
Please see meeting note attached.

Wrexham Energy Centre - Karl Cradick

Meeting with the applicant to provide an update on the project.
Please see meeting note attached.

Karl Cradick

Mr Whitby wrote to the DECC Minister with his views on the Wrexham Energy Centre project and forwarded the correspondence to the Planning Inspectorate for information.
Thank you for your email of 28 January 2013 in which you forward correspondence you have had with the DECC Correspondence Unit regarding the Wrexham Energy Centre project.

Your correspondence is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you maybe already be aware The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre project is currently at pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in mid to late 2013.
I therefore encourage you to further contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project.

Before submitting an application, the developer is required to carry out extensive consultation on their proposals and therefore the developer will wish to hear your views on the project. Before submitting an application to the Planning Inspectorate, the developer is required to carry out extensive consultation on their proposals. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions, and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State has 28 days to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended), which includes certain local authorities and statutory bodies, persons with interest in the land and members of the public.

I have provided links to the following advice notes which may be of interest to you; these include further information on the planning process:
Advice Note 8.1: How the process works

[attachment 1]

Advice Note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

[attachment 2]

I hope the information provided has been of use to you, please do not hesitate to contact us again if you have any further questions.

Stephen Whitby

Letter received from Bangor on Dee Community Council expressing concern regarding the applicants consultation.
Your letter is useful for us to monitor emerging issues in response to a pre-application proposal. As you will be aware, however, The Planning Inspectorate can accept this letter for information purposes only at this stage.

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre project is currently at pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in mid to late 2013.

I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. Before submitting an application, the developer is required to carry out extensive consultation on their proposals and therefore the developer will wish to hear your views on the project.

Before submitting an application to the Planning Inspectorate, the developer is required to carry out extensive consultation on their proposals. This involves providing information about the proposal to various statutory and non statutory bodies and the wider community, responding to questions, listening to suggestions, and taking these into account to influence and inform the application ultimately submitted. The length of time taken to prepare and consult on the project will vary depending upon its scale and complexity.

Once the application has been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State has 28 days to decide whether to ?accept? the application to proceed to examination. Part of this assessment will consider whether the applicant has adequately complied with their duty to have taken account of any relevant responses from persons they are required to consult under s42, 44 and 47 of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended), which includes certain local authorities and statutory bodies, persons with interest in the land and members of the public.

I have attached copies of the following advice notes which may be of interest to you; these
include further information on the planning process:
Advice Note 8.1: How the process works

Advice Note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation

Bangor on Dee Community Council - Denise Ford

E-mail enquiry asking when they can become an interested party
Advice given below:

The proposed Wrexham Energy Centre project is currently at pre-application stage and is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in mid to late 2013. You will only be able to register as an interested party once the application has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.
I therefore encourage you to contact the developer directly at this stage of the process as this is the best time to influence a project. Before submitting an application, the developer is required to carry out extensive consultation on their proposals and therefore the developer will wish to hear your views of the project.
Below I have added the contact information for Wrexham Power Limited:
Freephone number: 0800 319 6185
E-mail: [email protected]
Write to: Wrexham Energy Centre, Local Dialogue LLP, Freepost NAT 3717, London, SE1 2BR
Once the application has been submitted, the developer has a duty to publicise the decision to accept its application for examination. You may then register with the Planning Inspectorate and make a relevant representation and become an interested party. You can register online and complete an electronic form, however if you prefer then a paper version of the form can be sent to you which is available by contacting our helpline.
Please find below links to our advice notes which may be of interest to you, these include further information on the planning process:
Advice Note 8.1: How the process works
[attachment 1]
Advice Note 8.2: Responding to the developer?s pre-application consultation
[attachment 2]
Advice Note 8.3: How to register and become an interested party in an application
[attachment 3]

George Tranter

Initial project meeting between Wrexham Power Limited and the Planning Inspectorate
Please see attached meeting note.

Wrexham Energy Centre - Daniel Chapman