The Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025
The Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2023 Order to make non-material changes to bycatch reduction measures.
Specifically, it revises the definition of "the offshore compensation measures" and modifies paragraphs 10-12 of Part 3 of Schedule 16, related to guillemot compensation, by updating consultation processes, predator eradication methods, and notification requirements.
The changes were made following an application under the Infrastructure Planning (Changes to, and Revocation of, Development Consent Orders) Regulations 2011 and are effective from April 14, 2025.
Arguments For
Efficiency and Streamlining: The amendments aim to improve the efficiency and clarity of the existing bycatch reduction measures, potentially leading to faster implementation and better results.
Environmental Protection: The changes are intended to enhance the protection of marine wildlife, particularly guillemots, by refining the compensation strategy and approval process for mitigation efforts.
Compliance with Regulations: The amendment process adheres to the established legal framework for modifying development consent orders, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Stakeholder Collaboration: The changes incorporate input from various stakeholders, including Natural England and local authorities, promoting cooperation and ensuring a more comprehensive and effective approach.
Arguments Against
Unintended Consequences: The specific amendments could have unforeseen consequences on other aspects of the wind farm's operation or the wider marine ecosystem.
Implementation Challenges: Applying the new stipulations might present practical difficulties for the project developers, leading to delays or increased costs.
Potential for Litigation: Any alteration to the original order could potentially invite legal challenges from affected parties if deemed insufficient.
Resource Allocation: The time and resources expended on amending the order could have been directed to other aspects of project management or environmental monitoring.
- Citation and commencement This Order may be cited as the Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025 and comes into force on 14th April 2025.
This section establishes the title of the amending order as the Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025, and sets its effective date as April 14, 2025.
- Amendment to the Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm Order 2023 The Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm Order 2023 (“the 2023 Order”) is amended as follows.
This section indicates that the following sections detail the specific changes made to the Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm Order 2023.
- Amendment to Part 1 of Schedule 16 to the 2023 Order In Schedule 16, part 1, paragraph 1 (offshore ornithology engagement group), substitute the definition of “the offshore compensation measures” with the following— ““the offshore compensation measures” means the offshore nesting structure;”.
This section amends part 1, paragraph 1, of Schedule 16 within the 2023 Order.
It replaces the definition of "the offshore compensation measures" with a new definition specifying it as 'the offshore nesting structure'.
- Amendments to Part 3 of Schedule 16 to the 2023 Order (1) Part 3 of Schedule 16 to the 2023 Order (guillemot compensation) is amended as follows. (2) In paragraph 10, for the words before sub-paragraph (a), substitute— “10. Following consultation with the H4 OOEG, the GCIMP must be submitted to the Secretary of State for approval in consultation with Natural England, the local planning authority and Alderney Wildlife Trust. The GCIMP must be based on the strategy for guillemot compensation set out in the guillemot and razorbill compensation plan (as relevant to guillemot) and include—”. (3) Omit sub-paragraph 10(b). (4) Substitute paragraph 11 with the following— “11. The undertaker must carry out the predator eradication method as set out in the GCIMP approved by the Secretary of State in consultation with Natural England, the Alderney Wildlife Trust and the local planning authority. Work No. 1(a) and 1(b), Work No. 2(a), 2(b) and (c) and Work No. 3(a) must not commence until the GCIMP has been approved by the Secretary of State in accordance with paragraph 10, and at least 2 years have elapsed since the start of the predator eradication works.”. (5) Substitute paragraph 12 with the following— “12. The undertaker must notify the Secretary of State of completion of the predator eradication method set out in the GCIMP.”.
This section details several amendments to Part 3 of Schedule 16 (regarding guillemot compensation) within the 2023 Order.
It revises paragraph 10 by adding consultation requirements; removes sub-paragraph 10(b); replaces paragraph 11 to detail predator eradication methods and commencement timing; and replaces paragraph 12 to specify notification requirements for the completion of such works.
EXPLANATORY NOTE (This note is not part of the Order) This Order amends the Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm Order 2023, a development consent order under the Planning Act 2008, following an application made in accordance with the Infrastructure Planning (Changes to, and Revocation of, Development Consent Orders) Regulations 2011 for a non-material amendment under paragraph 2 of Schedule 6 to the Planning Act 2008. This Order amends paragraph 1 of Part 1 and paragraphs 10-12 of Part 3 of Schedule 16 to the 2023 Order relating to bycatch reduction measures.
The explanatory note summarizes the Order's purpose and legal basis.
It clarifies that the amendments follow a formal application under specific regulations and focus on modifying bycatch reduction measures within Schedule 16 of the original 2023 Order.