The application was submitted on 7 February 2014 and the decision to accept the application to proceed was made on 6 March 2014 in accordance with section 55 of the Planning Act 2008 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011).

The proposed project is for the construction of a tidal lagoon and associated electricity generating infrastructure with a nominal capacity of 240MW.

The public and those interested in the proposal can register with the Planning Inspectorate between 7 March 2014 and 11 April 2014.

People can register easily online at the Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay project page. Alternatively, they may call The Planning Inspectorate’s helpline: 0303 444 5000 for a printed registration form, which must be completed and returned by 11 April 2014.

Sir Michael Pitt, Chief Executive of The Planning Inspectorate said. “This is an opportunity for people to play a part in the planning process and influence the outcome. We encourage people to get involved by registering as an interested party. By doing so, people will be able to participate fully in the examination of this proposal”.

Those who register will be entitled to provide evidence in writing to support their representation, to attend the Preliminary Meeting, to request an open floor hearing and to speak at other hearings where appropriate.

A copy of the application together with further information about the proposal and how to register to make a relevant representation is available at the Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay project page.

Ends

Journalists wanting further information should contact the Planning Inspectorate’s Press Office, on: 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or 0303 444 5082 or email: pressoffice@pins.gsi.gov.uk

Copies of Application Documents

A copy of the application form and accompanying plans, maps and other documents (including the environmental statement), may be inspected free of charge at the following locations and during the hours set out below from 7 March 2014 until 11 April 2014:

• City and County of Swansea Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3SN. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 0830-1700, Friday 0830-1630, Saturday 1000-1500.
• Neath One Stop Shop, Civic Centre, Neath, SA11 3QZ. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 0830-1700, Friday 0830-1630.
• Port Talbot Civic Centre, Port Talbot, SA13 1PJ. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 0830-1700, Friday 0830-1630.
• Oystermouth Library, Dunns Lane, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4AA. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 0900-1800, Friday 0900-1900, Saturday 0900-1700, Sunday 1200-1600.
• TLSB, Suite 6, J-Shed, King’s Road, Swansea, SA1 8PL. Monday-Friday 1030-1700.

Copies of the application documents can also be viewed online at the Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay project page.

Copies of the suite of application documents can be obtained for a charge of £2,000.00 for hard copies and £2.00 for electronic copies on DVD by calling 0800 080 3055 or emailing info@tidallagoonpower.com. Copies of individual documents are also available on request, and may also be subject to a reasonable charge. Other details in relation to the Project can be found on the Applicant’s website.

Notes to editors:

• Under the Localism Act, the IPC was abolished on 1 April 2012 and its work transferred to the Planning Inspectorate. A new national infrastructure directorate has been created within a restructured Planning Inspectorate.
• As from April 2012, the relevant Secretary of State is the decision maker on all national infrastructure applications for development consent. At the end of the examination of an application, which will still be completed within a maximum of six months, the Planning Inspectorate will have 3 months to make a recommendation to the relevant Secretary of State who will then have a further 3 months to reach their decision.
• The Planning Inspectorate, National Infrastructure Programme of Projects details the proposals which are anticipated to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate as applications in the coming months. It can be viewed at www.planningportal.gov.uk/infrastructure