Purpose

To provide an outline of the details set out
in the second non statutory consultation on the Fens and Lincs
reservoirs proposal and associated infrastructure. To set out the
background to these proposals at this stage, which is part of the
pre-app stage prior to the submission of the projects as separate
Development Consent Order (DCO) applications. Due to the timing of
the consultation, delegation is sought to enable the Council
response to be submitted within the statutory, short timeline.

Decision

The Cabinet has
 
(a) 
authorised the Chief Planning Officer, in consultation with the
Executive Leader and Executive Councillor for Economy, Regeneration
and Housing, to prepare and submit formal comments on the current
second non statutory consultation on the Fens and Lincs reservoirs
and associated infrastructure proposals; and
 
(b) 
delegated authority to the Chief Planning Officer to take all
associated action necessary in the interests of the efficient and
timely conduct of the Council’s compliance with the Fens
Reservoir and the Lincs Reservoir Development Consent Order (DCO)
procedures including but not limited to:
 
i. 
prepare the Council’s responses to any written questions from
Examining Authority during the DCO Examinations and to submit those
to the Examining Authority;
 
ii. 
settle the content of and submit any Written Representations to the
Examining Authority;
 
iii. 
to negotiate, settle and complete any legal agreements relevant to
secure the granting of a DCO pursuant to the applications;
 
iv. 
settling and the submission of the Statement of Common Ground to
the Examining Authority;
 
v. 
the instruction of witnesses and legal advisors throughout the
Examination process if required; and
 
vi. 
the discharge of DCO requirements made under any development
consent order granted by Secretary of State.

Reasons for the decision

As outlined within the report.

Alternative options considered

As outlined within the report.