This page explains when you must consult HSE during a planning or examination process.
England and Wales
HSE is a statutory consultee for all Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in England and Developments of National Significance (DNS) Wales. This duty applies to large-scale energy and industrial developments that are critical to the UK economy and essential public services.
Where a carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) project or part of a project is an NSIP, the developer and the Planning Inspectorate must consult HSE during the planning and examination process.
HSE’s input focuses on ensuring that CCUS proposals adequately address the major accident risks associated with CO₂ capture, transport, and storage, and under the 2026 regulations reflects the extended offshore safety framework that now applies to CCUS and offshore hydrogen operations.
Find out more about regulating CCUS and offshore hydrogen production.
Scotland
In Scotland, the Scottish Government has a planning consent role similar to the Planning Inspectorate in England and Wales.
This includes responsibility for assessing major energy infrastructure proposals, such as CCUS facilities, offshore CO2 pipelines, and offshore hydrogen production installations.
CCUS proposals requiring consent under Scottish planning and energy legislation will involve consultation with relevant regulators. This includes HSE where the project involves health and safety requirements.
HSE is also a statutory consultee for planning applications where the development is near to a major hazard site. Find out more in our land use planning guidance.