Our approach to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)
Under the Infrastructure Planning (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, host local authorities can recover the reasonable costs incurred in providing services relating to NSIPs.
East Cambridgeshire District Council is also willing where appropriate to enter into a Planning Performance Services Agreement (PPSA) with NSIP promoters should they have specific requirements or demands on the council's resource. The PPSA will be calculated using the above as a guide for costings.
Initial deposit
An initial payment of £20,000 (excluding VAT) is required before work commences. This will be held on account and offset against costs incurred.
Invoices will be issued monthly or bi-monthly by agreement and will be based on actual officer time and costs incurred. A breakdown of charges can be provided on request.
Services covered
The council charges for officer time and specialist support provided throughout the Development Consent Order (DCO) process, including:
- Pre-application engagement
- Review of project documentation
- Preparation of Local Impact Reports and Statements of Common Ground
- Participation in examinations and hearings
- Technical and specialist advice
- Post-consent monitoring and compliance activities
Hourly charges
| Officer level | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Major Projects Officer, Strategic Planning & Development Manager, Team Leaders and Legal Officers | £107.65 |
| Senior Planner and Specialist Officers (Conservation, Arboricultural, Ecology and Environmental Protection) | £80.00 |
| Planning Officer and Assistant Planner | £58.45 |
| Director of Legal Services | £192.14 |
| Senior Legal Assistant | £166.66 |
| Legal Assistant | £156.83 |
| Information Officer | £69.29 |
| Land Charges & Paralegal | £63.40 |
Please note: All fees and charges quoted on this page are exclusive of VAT.
External specialist advice
Where specialist consultancy advice is required, such as landscape, urban design or other technical assessments, the council may appoint external consultants. Any costs incurred will be recharged to the applicant at cost.