Taking part in the LTC DCO

25th May 20235th August 2023 Web Master

The DCO process is a bit different from the consultations we’ve been through, so here we update you on taking part in the LTC DCO.

Firstly, to participate in the LTC DCO you must either be an Affected Person (ie your land/property would be directly impacted), or should have registered as an Interested Party between the 9th Jan and 24th Feb 2023. The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) can sometimes, at their discretion, allow people to register after the registration deadline, if there are special circumstances. You will need to contact PINS via email or call 0303 444 5000 to discuss this, if you find yourself in this position.

Those who have successfully registered will have been issued with a Unique Reference number. You will need this number to register to attend DCO meetings and hearings, and also if you submit any written submissions.

Time table and deadlines

For each meeting/hearing there will be a deadline by which you must register and make any relevant written submissions. These will be prior to the actual meeting/hearing so it is important to check when these deadlines are to ensure you can participate.

Details for the Pre-Examination meetings, and a draft timetable for the Examination can be found in the Rule 6 letter issued by PINS.

We’ve taken all the timetable info and popped it all together in an LTC DCO Timetable that we hope makes it a bit easier to get our heads around!

Whilst we will try to keep our site up to date, please do keep an eye on official PINS updates for any changes that may occur.

How to take part

We have done our best to share info on how to take part here. PINS have also published a handy FAQ section, but if after reading the FAQ you still have any questions please contact the PINS LTC team via email or call 0303 444 5000.

Types of meetings/hearings

Programming Meeting is aimed predominantly at host Local Authorities to discuss procedural issues of the draft DCO examination timetable

Preliminary Meetings are for everyone to discuss procedural issues of the draft DCO examination timetable. The merits of the LTC project will not be discussed at these meetings.

Open Floor Hearings (OFH) – Hearings where everyone can request to talk on the merits of the LTC project

Issue Specific Hearings (ISH) – Hearings where everyone can request to speak on specific aspects of the LTC project

Compulsory Acquisition Hearings (CAH) – Hearings where Affected Parties (those whose land/property would be directly impacted can request Compulsory Acquisition Hearings and speak at them in regard to the impacts to their land/property.

Watching meetings/hearings
You do not have to register if you simply wish to watch the meetings, only if you wish to request to speak at the meeting or submit a written submission for consideration.

The meetings will be broadcast live online, with a recording published soon after the meeting ends. We understand that the link to watch live for each online hearing will be https://cvslivestream.co.uk/ltc/ but please check the PINS LTC webpage shortly before the meetings begin, especially if you are experiencing any issues with the live webcast link.

Speak at or attend meetings/hearing
If you want to do anything other than simply watch online you need to register by the associated deadline

Programming Meeting on 16th May – registration has now closed and the meeting has taken place
Preliminary Meeting 1 on 6th June – registration has now closed and the meeting has taken place
Preliminary Meeting 2 on 20th June- registration has now closed and the meeting has taken place
Open Floor Hearing 1 on 20th June – registration has now closed and the meeting has taken place
Issue Specific Hearing 1 on 21st June – registration has now closed and the meeting has taken place
Issue Specific Hearing 2 on 22nd June – registration has now closed and the meeting has taken place
Open Floor Hearing 2 on 28th June – registration has now closed and the meeting has taken place
Open Floor Hearing 3 on 5th July – registration has now closed and the meeting has taken place
Any of the Examination Hearings on various dates from July 7th – 20th December –registration has now closed, further details of the future hearings will be announced by PINS in due course.