Planning Performance Agreements & PFI waste plants - Public forum - Planning Advisory Service (PAS)

My authority (Norfolk County Council) is considering entering into a PPA with the winning bidder (not yet known) for our large-scale PFI energy-from-waste plant. The timescale would be quite constrained compared to normal resi/mixed-use PPAs, as a planning application would be expected in spring next year (the winning bidder won't be confirmed until November). The two shortlisted bidders are therefore already undertaking some detailed pre-app work. There are several key reasons for considering the PPA route: 1) As a project management tool, with the applicant and NCC signing up to an agreed (tight) timetable; 2) Formalised pre-app involvment for members and the public, to minimise the risk of post-app delays; and 3) The opportunity to possibly have our pre-app costs refunded by the applicant. As we haven't done a PPA before, does anyone have any PPA experiences, especially in connection with pieces of infrastructure? One question in particular is who (on the councillor side) should agree the terms of the detailed PPA. The Chairman of Planning Committee would seem the obvious choice (caveated appropriately to avoid pre-determination concerns) but are there any other options? We are also considering taking a PPA 'Charter' to Cabinet in the near future. Many thanks, Adam Nicholls Norfolk County Council