DWD is pleased to have been able to support SSE and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) in securing the DCO for the Slough Multifuel Extension Project, which was made by the Secretary of State on 28th November 2023. The Project is the first where development consent has been obtained for an extension to an electricity generating station, with the consent increasing the capacity of the energy recovery plant from just under 50 to circa 60 megawatts. Construction work on the plant at the Slough Trading Estate will be completed in early 2024.
While relatively limited physical works were required to increase the capacity of the plant, it was still necessary to seek development consent as the works took the capacity above 50 megawatts. The level of consenting work required relative to the works proposed does in our view raise questions as to the suitability of the DCO regime for smaller projects. One size doesn’t fit all, and it is remarkable how little the regime has changed since 2010.
The application was accepted for examination on 26th October 2022 with the examination taking a little over 4 months. The examining authority submitted their report on 11th September 2023 with the Secretary of State making her decision in less than 3 months.
DWD have been involved at the site since 2013 and helped secure the original planning permission for the plant.
Rob Booth and Geoff Bullock of DWD worked alongside SSE and CIP providing planning and consenting advice on the Project, supported by a wider team including CMS and AECOM.
