Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure engagement with (a) the public and (b) relevant stakeholders on the environmental impact of pylon projects before Development Consent Orders are granted to private energy companies.

In England and Wales, the Planning Act 2008 requires developers to demonstrate that they have consulted adequately with local communities and relevant stakeholders before they submit applications for consent. This includes engagement on the environmental impacts of pylon projects. As part of their applications developers are required to engage with the public and relevant stakeholders to ensure their feedback is considered and incorporated into the project. The Government does not make assessments for specific projects until they come to the Secretary of State for a final planning decision.