Equalise the position of the NDA for the benefit of the Geological Disposal Facility

The GDF, and associated site investigation development, is given "Critical National Priority" status by MHCLG in both the National Policy Statement, and either the NPPF or National Development Management Policy.

Government propose primary legislation which grants the NDA (and any member of the NDA group) the ability to promote a Compulsory Purchase Order and that the NDA (and any member of the NDA group) is deemed to have statutory undertaker status.

MHCLG amends the GPDO to grant a permitted development right to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to carry out surveys similar to the survey powers found in Part 17 Class J and K of Sch 2 of the GPDO.

If the Government accepts the above recommendations DESNZ should confirm that an alternative planning route for the borehole investigations does provide value for money. Our strong expectation is that a DCO is not proportionate for boreholes.