Chapter 8The Planning System
R30On Track

Establish a unit to discharge Development Consent Order (DCO) requirements

Establish DCO requirements discharge unit

Full Recommendation Text

DESNZ and MOD should establish a unit which discharges DCO Requirements. Guidance issued by MHCLG should be updated to endorse the use of this unit as the discharging authority for DCOs relating to nuclear development. Local authority involvement in the discharge of conditions can be secured through a requirement for consultation prior to submission to the Department.

Update Timeline
On Track

Government Response: DCO requirements discharge unit being established

DESNZ is establishing a new unit within the Infrastructure Planning Delivery team dedicated to post-consent discharge of DCO requirements. The unit will initially focus on nuclear power and electricity networks, with a view to expanding its remit over time. This directly implements the Taskforce's recommendation to centralise DCO requirements discharge, following the model of DfT's National Case Unit. The phased approach allows the unit to build capacity and processes before broadening its scope.

Policy Paper • DESNZ, March 2026
New discharge unit being established within DESNZ, initially for nuclear and electricity networks.
Ownership

Primary Owner

DESNZ

Co-owners

MODMHCLG
Delivery Timeline
30 Jun 26

Taskforce target: June 2026

Scope

Sectors

civildefence

Domains

planning
Implementation Type
organisational changeguidance

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