Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what timescale her Department has set for the implementation of a one-stop-shop for offshore renewable planning applications; and when she expects the first planning application under this system to be granted. [8254]
§ Mr. WilsonDraft guidance describing the streamlined consenting process for offshore windfarms has recently been circulated by my Department to the industry and all the main statutory consultees for comment. A copy is being placed in the Libraries of both Houses. I intend that the guidance will be finalised shortly. The first application under this system has been received and the consenting authorities are now progressing the application in consultation with the developer as necessary but I am not able to say when the process will be complete.