Apologies for absence were received from Councillor David Moore.

There were no Declarations of Interest made.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 1 March 2016 be signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

The Chair welcomed Peter Holson (ARUP) to the meeting.

The Panel then discussed the draft Moorside Project Consultation Response.

During the discussion it was suggested that the response should include a Foreward from the Mayor and a Summary section.

Members considered the draft response to be ‘Positive yet Firm’.

RESOLVED:- that the draft Moorside Project Consultation Response be forwarded to Executive with a recommendation that it be submitted on behalf of Copeland Borough Council, with final sign off delegated to the Mayor and the Managing Director.

The Planning Policy Officer introduced this item and advised the panel that as part of the process of seeking a Development Consent Order for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, it is necessary for an applicant to consult with the Council to enable consideration of a Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC).

The panel were further informed that the consultation was about the process of community engagement, and not about commenting on the detail of the proposed development itself.

Members then considered the draft Statement of Community Consultation and the response which the Council would make to National Grid in respect of the North West Coast Connections Project.

During the discussion that followed Members were particularly interested in the cost and impact of underground cabling and suggested minor amendments to the draft response.

RESOLVED - that the draft response be updated and forwarded Executive with a recommendation that it be submitted on behalf of Copeland Borough Council, with final sign off delegated to the Mayor and the Managing Director.

The next meeting of the Nationally Significant Infrastructures Projects Panel will be held on Thursday 22 September 2016 at 2:00pm at The Ennerdale Room, Whitehaven Civic Hall, Lowther Street, Whitehaven.

The next meeting of the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects Panel will be held on Thursday 22 September 2016 at 2:00pm at The Ennerdale Room, Whitehaven Civic Hall, Lowther Street, Whitehaven.