Mona Offshore Wind Farm

The views expressed in this page do not represent those of the Planning Inspectorate. This page consists of content submitted to the Planning Inspectorate by the public and other interested parties, giving their views of this proposal.

Mona Offshore Wind Farm

Received 02 May 2024
From Addleshaw Goddard LLP on behalf of Network Rail Infrastructure Limited

Representation

APPLICATION BY ASSOCIATED BRITSH PORTS LIMITED FOR AN ORDER GRANTING DEVELOPMENT CONSENT FOR THE MONA OFFSHORE WIND FARM DEVELOPMENT CONSENT ORDER Planning Inspectorate Reference Number: EN010137 Section 56 Planning Act 2008: Relevant Representation of Network Rail Infrastructure Limited This is the section 56 representation of Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (Network Rail) provided in respect of Mona Offshore Wind Limited's (Applicant's) application for a Development Consent Order (Order) to authorise the construction, maintenance and operation of an offshore wind generating station in the Irish Sea off the coast of North Wales with an electrical output capacity of over 350 MW (Scheme). Network Rail is a statutory undertaker and owns, operates and maintains the majority of the rail infrastructure of Great Britain. The Book of Reference (BoR) identifies 8 plots identifiable on Sheets 1 and 2 of the Land Plans as land that Network Rail owns or has an interest in. The compulsory acquisition powers sought in relation to 6 plots are described in the BoR as being temporary possession. The compulsory acquisition powers sought in relation to 2 plots are described in the BoR as being the permanent acquisition of rights (Compulsory Powers). Network Rail notes that the Compulsory Powers are sought in relation to operational railway land forming part of the operational railway north of the A55, Abergale (being the North Wales Coast Line (Railway Line)). The Applicant proposes to access land owned by Network Rail during construction of the Scheme and carry out the installation of cable circuits beneath the Railway Line. Network Rail objects to the inclusion of the Plots in the Order. The Plot constitutes land acquired by Network Rail for the purpose of its statutory undertaking and, accordingly, this representation is made under section 56 and sections 127 and 138 of the Planning Act 2008. Network Rail also objects to all other compulsory powers in the Order to the extent that they affect, and may be exercised in relation to, Network Rail's property and interests. In order for Network Rail to be in a position to withdraw its objection Network Rail requires: (a) agreements with the Applicant that regulate: (i) the manner in which rights over the Plots and any other railway property are acquired and the relevant works are carried out including terms which protect Network Rail's statutory undertaking and agreement that compulsory acquisition powers will not be exercised in relation to such land; and (ii) the carrying out of works in the vicinity of the operational railway network to safeguard Network Rail's statutory undertaking; (b) the inclusion of protective provisions in the DCO for its benefit. Network Rail welcomes the fact that there are protective provisions for its benefit in the Order and, if necessary, will provide detailed comments on, and amendments to, the protective provisions when it submits its detailed Written Representation. To safeguard Network Rail's interests and the safety and integrity of the operational railway, Network Rail objects to the inclusion of the Compulsory Powers and any other powers affecting Network Rail in the Order. Network Rail requests that the Examining Authority treat Network Rail as an Interested Party for the purposes of the Examination.