The Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025
This Order amends the 2024 Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm Order, incorporating non-material changes.
These alterations include specifications for minimum air gaps between wind turbine blades and HAT, adjustments to documentation requirements listed in Schedule 18, and other numerical updates to various parameters within Schedule 2.
The amendments follow an application under paragraph 2 of Schedule 6 to the Planning Act 2008 and a review process adhering to the 2011 Regulations.
Arguments For
Improved clarity and accuracy: The amendments clarify several aspects of the original order, reducing ambiguity and potential for disputes.
Enhanced safety: Changes concerning minimum air gaps between wind turbine blades and the highest astronomical tide (HAT) improve safety standards.
Streamlined project implementation: Updates to documentation requirements simplify the administrative processes involved in the project's implementation.
Reflecting project updates: The amendments incorporate modifications made during the project development phase, which are deemed non-material and in line with safety and operational standards.
Legal compliance: Amending the order via this established legal framework is demonstrably compliant with appropriate UK legislation.
Arguments Against
Potential for unforeseen consequences: While the changes are considered non-material, minor adjustments could have unanticipated cumulative effects.
Administrative burden: The amendment process places further administrative demands on project operators and regulatory bodies.
Lack of public consultation on specific changes: The consultation likely focused on a broader framework, potentially lacking in detailed examination for each amendment.
Opportunity cost: Time and resources spent on implementing these amendments could have been directed elsewhere.
Potential for further amendments: The amendments could lead to future amendments, creating a cycle of ongoing revision.
S T A T U T O R Y I N S T R U M E N T S 2025 No. 145 INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING The Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025 Made 1. 2. 3. 4. 6th February 2025 Coming into force 7th February 2025 An application has been made to the Secretary of State, under paragraph 2 of Schedule 6 to the Planning Act 2008( a ), in accordance with the Infrastructure Planning (Changes to, and Revocation of, Development Consent Orders) Regulations 2011( b ) ('the 2011 Regulations') for non-material changes to the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm Order 2024( c ) ('the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Order'). The Secretary of State, having considered the application, the responses to the publicity and consultation required by regulations 6 and 7 of the 2011 Regulations, has decided to make this Order amending the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Order. Accordingly, the Secretary of State, in exercise of the powers conferred by paragraph 2 of Schedule 6 to the Planning Act 2008, makes the following Order.
This introductory section explains the Order's creation.
An application was made to the Secretary of State to amend the 2024 Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm Order.
After considering the application and public feedback, the Secretary of State approved the amendment, using powers granted by the Planning Act 2008.
Citation and commencement 5. 1. This Order may be cited as the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025 and comes into force on 7th February 2025.
This section provides the official title of the amending order and its effective date, which is February 7th, 2025.
Amendments to the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm Order 2024 6. 2. The Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm Order 2024 is amended in accordance with this Order.
This section formally states that the 2024 order is being amended according to the specifics outlined in the current document.
Amendments to Article 2 (Interpretation) 3. In article 2- 7. (a) after the definition of 'access to works plan' insert- 8. ''air gap' means the distance between the lowest point of the rotating blade of a wind turbine generator and HAT;' and 9. (b) in the definition of 'outline operational drainage strategy (onshore substation)' omit '(onshore substation)' in both places that it occurs.
Article 2 of the 2024 order, concerning definitions, is amended.
A definition for 'air gap' (distance between turbine blades and high tide) is added, clarifying terminology.
The phrase '(onshore substation)' is removed from the definition of 'outline operational drainage strategy'.
Amendments to Part 1 (requirements) of Schedule 2 10. 4. In paragraph 2 of Part 1 (requirements) of Schedule 2- 11. (a) in sub-paragraph 1(d)- 12. (i) omit 'have a distance of less than 30 metres between the lowest point of the rotating blade of the wind turbine generator and HAT;' and 13. (ii) insert 'not used;' 14. (b) delete sub-paragraph and insert- 15. ' Within Work No. 1A- 16. (a) The total rotor swept area must not exceed 1.42 square kilometres; and 17. (b) the total rotor-swept area and the corresponding air gap for each wind turbine generator must accord with the parameters specified below- | Where the Total Rotor-Swept Area is | Minimum Air Gap (m) | |-------------------------------------------|-----------------------| | 1.01km 2 or less | 30 | | Greater than 1.01km 2 and up to 1.13km 2 | 31 | | Greater than 1.13km 2 and up to 1.42km 2 | 32'. | 18. (c) delete paragraph and insert- 19. ' Within Work No. 1B- 20. (a) The total rotor swept area must not exceed 1.85 square kilometres; and 21. (b) the total rotor-swept area and the corresponding air gap for each wind turbine generator must accord with the parameters specified below- | Where the Total Rotor-Swept Area is | Minimum Air Gap (m) | |-------------------------------------------|-----------------------| | 1.31km 2 or less | 30 | | Greater than 1.31km 2 and up to 1.47km 2 | 31 | | Greater than 1.47km 2 and up to 1.85km 2 | 32'. | 22. 5. In paragraph 7 of Part 1 (requirements) of Schedule 2- 23. (a) in sub-paragraph 2(c) for 'seven' substitute 'five'; 24. (b) in sub-paragraph 2(d) for '4,000' substitute '13,590'; 25. (c) in sub-paragraph 2(e) for '1,000' substitute '6,900'; 26. (d) in sub-paragraph 5(a) for 'three' substitute 'four'; 27. (e) in sub-paragraph 5(b) for '66' substitute '92'; 28. (f) in sub-paragraph 5(c) for 'six' substitute 'twelve'; 29. (g) in sub-paragraph 5(d) for '6708' substitute '22,216'; 30. (h) in sub-paragraph 5(e) for '1896' substitute '13,960'; 31. (i) in sub-paragraph 7(a) for 'seven' substitute 'eight'; 32. (j) in sub-paragraph 7(b) for '154' substitute '224'; 33. (k) in sub-paragraph 7(c) for 'six' substitute 'fourteen'; 34. (l) in sub-paragraph 7(d) for '12,708' substitute '30,252'; and 35. (m) in sub-paragraph 7(e) for '3396' substitute '17,370'. 6. In paragraph 17 of Part 1 (requirements) of Schedule 2, after 'outline operational drainage strategy' omit '(onshore substation)'.
Schedule 2, Part 1 (requirements), undergoes several changes.
Sub-paragraph 1(d) removes a minimum distance requirement between turbine blades and HAT and adds that a parameter is 'not used'.
Sub-paragraphs are replaced to specify new rotor swept area limits and air gap requirements for Work Numbers 1A and 1B. Additionally, paragraph 7 within Schedule 2 contains numerous numerical substitutions across sub-paragraphs 2, 5, and 7. '(onshore substation)' is removed from paragraph 17.
Amendments to Schedule 18 (Documents to be certified) 36. 7. In Table 1 of Schedule 18 after the row for 'Document number 6.3.28.2 (Environmental Statement Appendix 28.2 - Health Baseline Statistics)'- 37. (a) in column 1, insert '6.5'; 38. (b) in column 2, insert 'REP8-021'; 39. (c) in column 3, insert 'Schedule of Mitigation and Mitigation Route Map'; 40. (d) in column 4, insert 'B'; and 41. (e) in column 5, insert 'July 2023'. 42. 8. Table 1 of Schedule 18 is amended as set out in the table in the Schedule to this Order, where- 43. (a) column 1 sets out where the amendment is to be made; 44. (b) column 2 sets out how the amendment is to be made; and 45. (c) column 3 sets out the text to be substituted, inserted or omitted. Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero John Wheadon Head of Energy Infrastructure Planning Delivery Department for Energy Security and Net Zero 6th February 2025 SCHEDULE Article 8 | Where the Amendment is to be made | How the Amendment is to be made | Text to be substituted, inserted, or omitted | |---------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Schedule 18, Table 1, Document number 6.2.3 | In column 2, for 'APP-106' substitute | 'APP-116' | | Schedule 18, Table 1, Document number 6.3.10.2 | In column 2, for 'REP7-026' substitute | 'REP8-019' | | Schedule 18, Table 1, Document number 6.3.25.1 | In column 2, for 'APP-275' substitute | 'APP-274' | | Schedule 18, Table 1, Document number 6.3.26.1 | In column 2, for 'APP-276' substitute | 'APP-275' | | Schedule 18, Table 1, Document number 6.3.27.1 | In column 2, for 'APP-277' substitute | 'APP-276' | | Schedule 18, Table 1, Document number 6.3.27.2 | In column 2, for 'APP-278' substitute | 'APP-277' | | Schedule 18, Table 1, Document number 6.3.27.3 | In column 2, for 'APP-279' substitute | 'APP-278' | | Schedule 18, Table 1, | In column 2, for 'APP-280' substitute | 'Post-examination' | | Document number 6.3.28.1 Schedule 18, Table 1, Document number 6.3.28.1 | In column 4, for 'A' substitute | 'B' | | Schedule 18, Table 1, Document number 6.3.28.1 | In column 5, for 'September 2022' substitute | 'July 2024' | Schedule 18, Table 1, Document number 9.20 In column 3, omit '(Onshore Substation)' Schedule 18, Table 1, Document number 9.24 Delete row
Several amendments are made to Schedule 18, Table 1, which lists documents requiring certification.
A new row is added ('6.5', 'REP8-021', 'Schedule of Mitigation and Mitigation Route Map', 'B', 'July 2023').
The table in the Schedule to this Order details further amendments to the document numbers and their associated columns.
These primarily involve substituting existing numerical and alphanumeric identifiers with new ones, reflecting changes to the referenced documents. '(Onshore Substation)' is omitted from document number 9.20, and row 9.24 is deleted.
EXPLANATORY NOTE (This note is not part of the Order) This Order makes amendments to the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/564), a development consent order made under the Planning Act 2008, following a request made under paragraph 2 of Schedule 6 to that Act.
The explanatory note summarizes the Order's purpose, highlighting that it amends the 2024 development consent order based on a request submitted under the Planning Act 2008.