Development Consent Order (DCO)

A Development Consent Order (DCO) is a legal approval granted by the government for large-scale projects, such as energy plants or infrastructure developments. It formally allows the project to proceed after thorough assessment of environmental, social, and economic impacts. The DCO consolidates various permissions and ensures responsible planning, providing a clear framework for construction and operation. It involves consultation with the public and stakeholders, and once approved, it grants the developer the authority to build and operate the project within specified conditions. Essentially, it is the official legal approval needed for significant developments to move forward.