Decision Details

Decision Subject To Call In

North Falls Offshore Wind Farm – Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project – Application for development consent under the 2008 Planning Act – East Suffolk Council’s position and delegation to enable full participation in the process

ES/1936

No

Committee

Cabinet

Tue 7 May 2024

No

Report of the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Energy & Climate Change

East Suffolk Council (ESC) will be directly involved as a statutory consultee on a number of energy related Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). 

Planning & Coastal Management

Isaac Stringer
Assistant Planner – Energy Projects
Isaac.stringer@eastsuffolk.gov.uk

Grahame Stuteley
Senior Planner – Energy Projects
Grahame.stuteley@eastsuffolk.gov.uk  

None

No

That the Cabinet:

 

1. Supports the position to not object to the North Falls project with a radial connection to Essex providing the offshore turbines do not have a significant impact on the Essex and Suffolk Coast and Heaths National Landscape but to also continue to support offshore coordination which reduces/minimises the extent of onshore infrastructure.

 

2. Delegates powers to the Head of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Planning Projects, in consultation with the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Energy and Climate Change, to act on behalf of the Council in all activities associated with the examination and post examination/consent phases of the project including the signing of any legal agreements/side agreements/memorandum of understandings.

1. The Council does not object to the North Falls project with a radial connection to Essex providing the offshore turbines do not have a significant impact on the National Landscape of the Suffolk Coast, although we are disappointed that a coordinated offshore connection with a multi-purpose interconnector has not been proposed which minimises the provision of onshore infrastructure. The Council continues to support coordinated offshore connections rather than radial connections should it be demonstrated that the option minimises and reduces the extent of onshore infrastructure and provides genuine environmental and social benefits.

 

2. Appropriate delegation was sought to allow for a streamlined process that allows the Council's officers to respond to the set deadlines in a timely manner whilst also representing the views of members and residents in the NSIP determination process.

To either amend or refuse the overall position on the project or the delegation sought.

None.

None.