Offshore windfarm decision

We are very disappointed to report that the windfarms East Anglia One (north) and East Anglia Two were granted approval by the Secretary of State on Thursday March 31. While acknowledging that the Applicant had widely underestimated the harmful environmental impacts, the Examining Authority (ExA), and confirmed by the Secretary of State, agreed that the proposals gave rise to a medium level of harm to the landscape and historic environment, they gave greater weight in the planning balance to the need for renewable energy.

The Secretary of State acknowledges and adopts the substantial weight the ExA gives to the contribution to meeting the need for electricity generation demonstrated by NPS EN-1 and its significant contribution towards satisfying the need for offshore wind [ER 28.4.4]. He further notes that the ExA has identified that the Proposed Development would be consistent with the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019 which amended the Climate Change Act 2008 to set a legally binding target of 100% below the 1990 baseline.

We wish to extend our sincere regret to all those affected by this decision and offer our continuing support to the local campaign groups who have run such a compelling and powerful campaign.

Links to the decisions: