Equinor has taken the decision to extend the preapplication period for the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm Extension Projects (SEP and DEP) to allow time for additional analysis and to further develop proposals.
The developer said it has taken the decision to carry out additional analysis on seabird species and further develop proposals, in case environmental mitigation and ornithology compensatory measures are required in accordance with new requirements from the Department for Business Energy and industrial Strategy (BEIS).
The developer had originally planned to submit the Development Consent Order (DCO) application by the end of 2021, but it now intends to make its submission to the Planning Inspectorate by early summer 2022.
SEP and DEP will double the capacity of the existing Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon offshore wind farms off the Norfolk coast.
Equinor SEP and DEP project director Kari-Hege Mork said: “Throughout the development of the wind farms we have presented technical and environmental information as plans have been refined, and been in close dialogue with key stakeholders such as statutory nature conservation bodies, as well as the local community and interested parties.
“We want to thank all those that took the time to respond to our consultations, we greatly appreciate your time.
Mork said Equinor is confident that the extra time will allow it to take into account the thorough feedback on our proposals.
“It also allows us more time to engage with the local community and now that restrictions have lifted, we intend to use the time to visit communities in person.”
SEP and DEP are classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) which means Equinor will apply for a DCO from the Secretary of State for BEIS.
Equinor and its partners are seeking to minimise potential impacts on the community and the environment by proposing a shared onshore grid connection footprint for the two projects and applying for one common DCO.
This is an industry first; two separately owned projects have never made a common DCO application before, and it is hoped this joined-up approach will pave the way for other coordinated projects in the UK.