On 16 March, the UK Planning Inspectorate (PINS) submitted a recommendation report on Hornsea Project Two to Energy Secretary Amber Rudd, who requested comments from Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) yesterday.
After receiving findings and conclusions on the application from the PINS, the Energy Secretary has three months to make a decision on the application.
Since PINS completed the examination of Hornsea Project Two offshore wind farm in December 2015, the UK Government has launched a consultation into a possible Special Area of Conservation (pSAC) for harbour porpoises – the Southern North Sea pSAC .
Rudd’s office is now looking for an input on the latest conservation advice for the Southern North Sea pSAC from the two agencies, so the Secretary of State can undertake a Habitats Regulations Assessment of the potential effects of Hornsea Project Two on harbour porpoises.
JNCC and Natural England should respond by 1 April.
The offshore wind farm will have a capacity of up to 1.8GW and could feature 360 turbines installed approximately 89km off the Yorkshire coast.
DONG Energy has taken over the Hornsea Zone from Mainstream Renewable Power and Siemens Financial Services. The developer acquired the project rights to Hornsea Project Two and Three in August last year, following the acquisition of Hornsea Project One in February 2015.