POLICY CONTEXT

National Guidance

National – National Planning Framework 3

Through the National Planning Framework limited only to the site of the deemed • Investment in the marine renewable Overall, NPF3 is anticipating a situation 3 (NPF3) (June 2014), the Scottish (now lapsed) planning permission for a energy industry and manufacturing, where a range of potential projects seek Government has identified Cockenzie as gas fired power station at the Cockenzie potentially including associated to locate at Cockenzie. However, as a a national development site for thermal site; rather, the Council interprets this new build port and harbour facilities. first principle, NPF3 wants to ensure that energy generation as well as a location of ‘safeguard’ to relate to the wider site Whilst the National Renewable any potential subsidiary opportunities significance for renewable energy. owned by . Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP) and at the site do not undermine the ability NPF3 identifies Leith Port as a key to deliver the priority ‘safeguard’ for Cockenzie and the Torness areas in East NPF3 notes that there are potential location in the region (within the Low National Development 3. This is why Lothian are identified as an area that subsidiary benefits of the Cockenzie site. Carbon/Renewable East Enterprise NPF3 acknowledges that a wider range ‘has potential for significant investment in This is why NPF3 passively indicates Area), NPF3 refers to Cockenzie and of subsidiary uses / development may energy related business development’, in a that the site ‘may’ present significant Torness as locations in be accommodated there, if they do not similar way as The Energy Park which opportunities for renewable energy- that have potential for significant undermine the primary objective for extends from Methil to Longannet. The related investment, but NPF3 is not investment in energy-related business the site. In that context, a collaborative Action Programme for NPF3 identifies specific about what the nature of that development. approach to master planning is expected Cockenzie as one of five Energy Hubs – investment might be. In view of the to maximise the opportunities at the site. Areas of Co-ordinated Action. contextual discussion within NPF3, and To align with NFP3 in its proposed East However, the preparation of such a shared the weighting it gives to such potential Lothian Local Development Plan (ELLDP), masterplan is dependent on the ability to For Cockenzie, the Scottish Government opportunities that may exist at Cockenzie, the Council is of the view that the potential assess the site requirements and planning places emphasis on prioritising uses that NPF3 may be referring to the following for new build port or harbour facilities merits of separate projects at the same ‘make best use of this location’s assets type of investment in the following order at Cockenzie should relate to ‘energy’ time or in an appropriate sequence. and which will bring the greatest economic of priority: development, and not be restricted only benefits’. • On-shore grid connections for off- to ‘marine renewable energy related shore wind energy developments. development’. In terms of the ecological The National Planning Framework is due This would be the type of investment impacts of such a port development, to be updated by June 2019, based on that would meet the description this would need to be assessed fully the 5-year review period. However, no of National Development 4, which at project level, potentially through an announcement has formally yet been promotes an enhanced high voltage environmental impact assessment if made regarding NPF 4. energy transmission network. An necessary. If acceptable, the matter of on- Interconnector for the Inch Cape going management and maintenance of NPF3 affirmatively‘safeguards’ Cockenzie Offshore Wind Farm would fall within any dredging, including its ongoing costs, as a site for future thermal generation this category; is not a matter for the Council to consider, and carbon capture and storage, in line but for any operator. with National Development 3. This is not

24 Former Cockenzie Power Station & Surrounding Area | Masterplan Report Regional Local Development Policies Proposal EGT1: Land at Former The expectations of NPF3 in terms of the Cockenzie Power Station use of this land are a key consideration in identifying the uses that could be Approved Strategic Development Adopted East Lothian Local Plan 2008 The site of the former Cockenzie Plan accommodated on the site of the former Power Station is safeguarded as a site Cockenzie Power Station. In principle, At the time of publishing the Cockenzie for future thermal power generation the future development of the site The approved Strategic Development Power Station was operational and and Carbon Capture and Storage, should be ‘energy-driven’, to include a Plan is SESplan (June 2013). Cockenzie safeguarded by Policy NRG1 – Electricity consistent with ‘National Development mix of appropriately compatible uses is identified as a National Development Generating Stations. At this time East 3’ in the Scottish Government’s National which provides the greatest economic for New Non-Nuclear Baseload Capacity Lothian had two power stations: Planning Framework 3. Other forms of and social impact and create the of the existing site (at that time). Policy fired Cockenzie Power Station was rated development within the site will not be environment and opportunities that 10 Sustainable Energy Technologies at 1200MW and Torness Nuclear Power supported during the lifetime of NPF3 support a flourishing economy and help promotes sustainable energy sources Station was rated at 1250MW. to avoid prejudicing its future use for this build a prosperous, safe and sustainable and supports the future development and National Development, unless and until location. The area of land currently associated infrastructure requirements Both were intended to remain in operation an appropriate thermal power generation within Scottish Power ownership is an of Longannet and Cockenzie power during the life of this local plan. The proposal is implemented and the extent appropriate site to define for National stations in relation to their role as non- Local Plan identified the significant of any residual land that could be used for Development 3 and for NPF3’s ‘Area of nuclear baseload capacity generators contribution that these power stations other purposes has been confirmed. Coordinated Action’. This is because it is and the reuse of waste heat from these make to the economy and to local now the area with the greatest potential developments. employment. The operational land used If the NPF position is reviewed by to deliver the Scottish Government’s for power generation will continue to be Scottish Government during the lifetime of this Plan the Council will prepare aspirations for a low carbon thermal Proposed Strategic Development Plan safeguarded in the Local Plan. Supplementary Guidance to guide the energy generating station with proven carbon capture and storage facilities in Proposed Local Development Plan redevelopment of the site, if appropriate The Proposed Plan (October 2016) consistent with any revised NPF. If the future in accordance with NPF3, along 2016 identifies the former Cockenzie Power any thermal generation proposal is with any other uses that may be able to Station site as part of the ‘Forth Coast implemented and there is surplus land coexist with any such facility in line with Cluster’. This cluster of coastal sites is The former Cockenzie Power Station site remaining, Supplementary Guidance NPF3’s ‘Area of Coordinated Action’. considered to be suitable for providing is included as part of the “ will be prepared to guide redevelopment opportunities for a range of uses, in Cluster”. Proposal EGT1 in the of this surplus land. Any redevelopment Greenhills, the open space to the north particular port use such as renewables Energy section of the Proposed Plan proposal will be expected to make best and south of Road, is an manufacture and servicing, thermal and safeguards land at Cockenzie Power use of the location’s assets and bring important area of public open space low carbon energy generation or other Station, consistent with the Scottish significant economic benefits. which is protected by policy. uses associated with an Area of Co- Government’s National Planning ordinated Action. Framework 3 aspiration for the future use Proposals will be subject to a Habitats of the land, for thermal power generation Regulations Appraisal and, if necessary, and Carbon Capture and Storage. an Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Regulations.

Former Cockenzie Power Station & Surrounding Area | Masterplan Report 25