The National Planning Hub has published a new resource to help planning authorities and developers to understand the consenting process for hydrogen developments.
The Hydrogen Planning Process Map was drawn up by Arup to set out the process of dealing with planning applications on hydrogen, including the timelines, associated parties and information required for planning applications and associated licences and permits. It also includes a visual flowchart that provides a route map for consenting hydrogen projects in Scotland.
The need for the resource had been highlighted in an Insights Report published by the National Planning Hub. Planners, industry and agencies asked for clarity on the different consenting and regulatory regimes in place and how they interact with one another.
The resource is part of a package of support being taken forward by the National Planning Hub to support planning authorities when dealing with proposals for hydrogen developments. This includes A Guide to Early Engagement in Planning for Hydrogen Developers and online training modules providing an introduction to hydrogen for the public sector.
The National Planning Hub is based in and led by Scottish Government, working in partnership with the Improvement Service. It offers a flexible approach to providing additional surge capacity and expertise, brokerage support, professional capacity, and efficiency and practice.