Palm Paper, Norfolk

DHA obtained planning permission in 2007 for the Palm Paper mill on the former sugar beet factory site. The mill is home to the the widest, largest and most powerful machine in the world, capable of producing up to 400,000 tonnes of newsprint each year from entirely recycled paper, and typically employing around 200 people.

DHA's involvement in the project has continued since the construction of the mill, which became operational in 2009, and has included obtaining consents for offsite pipelines, sub-stations, pipebridges and an ultrafiltration plant.

Most recently Palm Paper decided to construct a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) to reduce their energy costs and to ensure a secure supply of electricity and steam to the paper mill. The new 162 Megawatt CCGT plant will use natural gas to produce electricity and steam for use within the paper recycling process. Due to the capacity of the CCGT plant it is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) which requires a Development Consent Order from from the Secretary of State. DHA took the lead role in managing and submitting the application for a Development Consent Order which comprised extensive pre-application consultation with statutory and local bodies.

DHA then managed the progress of the application through the 3 month pre-examination and 6 month examination process, including responding to Inspector questions and taking part in public and issue specific hearings. The Development Consent Order was the 50^th such order to be granted in the country.