Electricity – priority transmission line projects: necessary wayleave application process timeline

Necessary wayleave application process timeline for priority transmission line projects

This factsheet sets out indicative timescales for the consideration of applications for necessary wayleaves under the Electricity Act 1989, related to priority applications for transmission infrastructure. Read a definition of what constitutes a priority application in Priority applications for transmission infrastructure guidance.

This guidance provides clarity and details the process that will be followed for network operators, landowners/occupiers, and other stakeholders involved, helping to support timely and effective decision-making.

More information on the procedure adopted by the Scottish Ministers in receiving and determining applications for necessary wayleaves is available in Electricity - necessary wayleaves: guidance for applicants, landowners and occupiers.

Week 0

Applicant: submission of application, all necessary supporting documentation, full statement of case and all documents that the applicant wishes to rely on in support of the application. All submitted via Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) portal on dates previously agreed with DPEA.

Week 0-4

DPEA: check all necessary information has been submitted by the applicant and update DPEA case management system.

Week 6

DPEA: write out to applicant acknowledging receipt of application; write out to the landowner/occupier of the land asking for confirmation of whether they wish to be heard and requesting a full statement of case and any supporting documents within 28 days.

Week 10

Landowner/occupier: confirm whether they wish to be heard and submit a full statement of case and any supporting documents.

Week 14

DPEA: appoint a reporter to consider the case and report to Scottish Ministers.

Week 16

DPEA: reporter decides if any further information is necessary to fully consider the case. If so, reporter issues further written submissions request with 2 week deadline.

Week 18

Applicant: submit any further information if requested by the reporter.

Landowner/occupier: submit any further information if requested by the reporter.

Week 20

Applicant: comment on landowner/occupier’s other submissions on further information requested by the reporter.

Landowner/occupier: comment on applicant’s other submissions on further information requested by the reporter.

Week 21

DPEA: confirm arrangements for hearing and site inspections as appropriate.

Week 24-26

Applicant: attend site inspection and hearing as appropriate.

Landowner/occupier: attend site inspection and hearing as appropriate.

DPEA: carry out site inspection and hearing as appropriate.

Week 42

DPEA: submit report and make recommendation to Scottish Ministers.

Week 42-48

ECU: consider report.

Week 48

ECU: submission to Scottish Ministers.

Week 52

ECU: issue decision.