Issue - meetings

To receive questions from members of the public, of which prior notification in writing has been received (no later than noon on the Tuesday prior to the day of the meeting).

In accordance with Procedure Rule 1(3)(e) and the Council’s Public Question Time and Participation at Council and Committee Meetings Scheme, the Chairman of the Council referred to two questions of which prior notification had been given.  A copy of the questions was circulated prior to the meeting.

Question one:

Ms July Lea, Chairman of the Maldon Society was in attendance at the meeting and read out her questions, set out below along with the responses from the Leader of the Council (show in italics).

“In connection with the Council’s relationship with the proposed new nuclear power station at Bradwell, (also referred to in item 12 on tonight’s agenda).

a)               Is it correct that MDC is receiving each month approximately £15,000 from the potential developer?

Yes.

b)               What use has been made of the income in connection with Bradwell B received to date?

It has been used to support the staffing resource required by the Council to ensure it is undertaking the role of engaging in the Development Consent Order (DCO) process regarding the Bradwell B proposals.

c)               Does the Council recognise its integral role as a primary conduit in a disinterested process of public consultation on whether the nuclear development should proceed?

The development of a new nuclear power station falls within the scope of the ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects’ (NSIPs), as set out in the Planning Act 2008.  In these instances, the developer applies directly to the Secretary of State for a Development Consent Order (DCO) rather than to the Local Planning Authority for planning permission.  Maldon District Council will be a consultee as part of the DCO process.  BrB has indicated that the application for the DCO will be submitted in 2022.  However, there is a significant consultation and engagement process leading up to the submission of the application.  Whilst Maldon District Council will not be the determining authority for the actual power station application, host local authorities have an important role in the NSIP, DCO process.  Participation is not obligatory but is strongly advised by the Planning Inspectorate.  Whilst it is appreciated that local authority resources are limited, relevant authorities are strongly encouraged to discuss and work through the issues raised by NSIP proposals.  A local authority will provide an important local perspective at the pre-application stage, in addition to the views expressed directly to the developer by local residents, groups and businesses. 

d)               What answer would be given to those who consider a) and c) above represent a conflict of interest?”

It is normal for the developer in these cases to provide resource to the Local Authority to support the planning process.  This has been the case with other DCO processes around the country and both Maldon District Council and Essex County Council are seeking support in this case.  This in no way represents a conflict of interest and the funding simply enables the Local Authority to engage in the consultation fully and to discharge the expectations that HMPI has raised.  Whilst the Councils  ...  view the full minutes text for item 627