DCO project support
A Development Consent Order (DCO) is the means of obtaining permission for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP). Developments categorised as NSIP’s include key energy projects that are vital to securing energy supply for the UK. Introduced by the Planning Act in 2008, the DCO consenting process formalises and structures the means by which permissions for these large and often complex energy projects.
CEA offer both environmental assessment and peer review services for projects where consents are applied for under the Planning Act, through to decision by the Secretary of State based on our broad experience on renewable energy and nuclear new build projects falling under this consenting regime. We also offer stakeholder engagement and management of the consultation required under the DCO process. Our team has experience of leading and carrying out peer reviews of DCO documentation and we also offer the management and drafting of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to support consenting projects.