The Planning Act 2008 (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects) (Electric Lines) Order 2013

The installation of an electric line which is classed as a nationally significant infrastructure project is subject to the development consent processes set out in the Planning Act 2008 (“the 2008 Act”), whereas the installation of an electric line which is not a nationally significant infrastructure project is subject to the consent process under section 37 Electricity Act 1989 (“the 1989 Act”). In the case of both the 2008 Act and the 1989 Act, certain minor works are exempted from the requirement for consent by the Overhead Lines (Exemption) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (“the 2009 exemption regulations”). Section 16(3) of the 2008 Act specifies which installations of electric lines constitute a nationally significant infrastructure project for the purposes of the Act, by excluding various classes of installation.