Consultation launched over proposed wind farm expansion in Norfolk
Residents are being asked what they think about the plans.
Last updated 29th Apr 2021
A second community consultation about plans to double the capacity of the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon offshore wind farms has been launched by operator Equinor.
It also comes as the Premliniary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) for the expansion is published today.
Equinor says the two projects will provide renewable energy to an extra 820,000 UK homes and contribute to the country's decarbonisation goals.
With pandemic restrictions still in place, alternatives to the usual face-to-face exhibitions and information events have been developed.
People interested in finding out more or commenting on the proposals can do so in a number of ways:
Additionally, 11,000 homes and businesses near to the proposed onshore cable corridor route from Weybourne to the Norwich Main substation have been mailed a community consultation leaflet and feedback form.
During the six-week consultation, running until the 10th June, Equinor says it wants feedback on all aspects of the proposal, but in particular on the following:
- Refinement of the 200 metres wide onshore cable corridor
- Preferred options for onshore construction compound locations
- Refinement of the landfall working area
- Landfall cable corridor routing proposals
- Shortlisted onshore substation site options
- Onshore substation access options
- Offshore array area and seascape views
Equinor says it, and its partners, are seeking to minimise potential impacts on the community and the environment by pursuing shared onshore footprint for the two projects and applying for one common Development Consent Order (DCO).
It says that's an industry first and it's hoped the joined-up approach will pave the way for other coordinated projects in the UK.
The application is expected to be submitted by the end of this year.