The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) today announced the first major infrastructure projects that it expects to receive as applications.

Five major wind farms and two new nuclear power stations are included on the list, as well as a biomass power plant, and two national grid connection projects.

Sir Michael Pitt, Chair, speaking at an IPC event in Westminster, said: "The IPC will ensure that the public knows which projects are proposed for their areas as soon as these are confirmed to us.

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"The projects we are highlighting today raise important issues for the nation and for local communities and we want the public to have confidence that their views will be heard. In every case there will be an opportunity for an open floor hearing as part of the IPC examination process."

The IPC, currently in advice-giving mode, will start taking applications from 1 March 2010. Where the relevant National Policy Statement is in place, the IPC will decide applications. Where it is not, the IPC will make recommendations to the Secretary of State.

Sir Michael continued: "We expect many more proposals to follow in the near future, as promoters begin to undertake the extensive public consultation which they must carry out under the new regime, before they can submit applications to the IPC.

"I would urge all members of the public affected by a project in their area to find out more about the improved opportunities created through the new regime, for them to have their say."

(CD/GK)