What Happens During the Pre-Examination Stage?
Registration of Interested Parties:
The public, local communities, businesses, organizations, and statutory consultees (e.g., local authorities, environmental agencies) can register to become Interested Parties.
Registering allows you to have a formal role in the process, including submitting written comments, attending hearings, and providing evidence during the examination.
For the Sea Link project, the registration period opened on May 8, 2025, and closes on June 23, 2025.
Registration is done online via the Planning Inspectorate’s website or by requesting and completing a paper form. You’ll need to provide your contact details and a summary of your views or concerns about the project.
Relevant Representations:
When registering, you can submit a Relevant Representation, a written summary (typically 500 words or less) of your views on the project. This could include support, concerns, or suggested changes.
These representations help the Examining Authority understand key issues and shape the scope of the examination. For example, you might comment on environmental impacts, construction disruption, or community benefits.
Be specific in your submission, as it influences what topics are prioritized during the examination.
Preliminary Meeting:
The Examining Authority (a panel or single inspector appointed by the Planning Inspectorate) organizes a Preliminary Meeting toward the end of the pre-examination stage.
This public meeting, which may be held in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format, sets out the timetable and procedures for the examination stage.
Attendees can hear about the process and raise procedural questions, but substantive issues (e.g., project merits) are not discussed here.
For Sea Link, the date for this meeting has not yet been confirmed but is expected in late June or early July 2025, based on the typical timeline.
Preparation by the Examining Authority:
The Examining Authority reviews the DCO application, supporting documents, and Relevant Representations.
They may issue Rule 6 letters to Interested Parties, outlining the draft examination timetable, key issues, and details of the Preliminary Meeting.
They also prepare initial questions or requests for further information from the applicant (National Grid) to clarify aspects of the proposal.
Public Access to Documents:
All application documents, including environmental statements, plans, and technical reports, are publicly available on the Planning Inspectorate’s project webpage for Sea Link.
You can review these to understand the project’s scope, such as the proposed 140 km high-voltage electricity connection between Suffolk and Kent, including subsea cables and onshore infrastructure.
Applicant’s Ongoing Engagement:
National Grid may continue to consult with the public and stakeholders, addressing concerns or providing updates.
They must publicize the accepted application locally (e.g., via notices in newspapers, on-site posters, or community briefings) to ensure awareness.
Why Is This Stage Important for the Public?
Your Voice Matters: Registering as an Interested Party ensures you can actively participate in the examination, influencing how the project is assessed.
Shape the Discussion: Your Relevant Representation helps identify issues (e.g., wildlife impacts, traffic disruption, or economic benefits) that the Examining Authority will focus on.
Transparency: The process is open, with opportunities to access information and understand the project’s potential impacts on your community.
This stage began on May 8, 2025, with registration open until June 23, 2025.
The Preliminary Meeting is expected in late June or early July 2025, suggesting completion by August 2025.