The Planning Inspectorate has accepted for examination an application by North Falls Offshore Wind Farm Ltd for an order granting development consent for the North Falls Offshore Wind Farm.

The Proposed Development consists of:

Offshore: an extension of the existing Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm (GGOWF), located in the southern section of the North Sea approximately 22.5km off the coast of Essex (at its closest point) and associated offshore electrical connection equipment.

Onshore: a landfall site within a 3km length of coastline between the settlements of Clacton-on-Sea and Frinton-on-Sea in the Tendring peninsula; and an onshore substation and onshore connection cable to be located within an area of search of approximately 150km2 within the Tendring District Council (TDC) administrative area.

Information about the Proposed Development and its likely significant effects is available in the application documents and Environmental Statement for the Proposed Development, which are available electronically on the Planning Inspectorate’s website:

https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/EN01019

Based on the current information provided by the Applicant to the Secretary of State, and applying a precautionary approach, the Secretary of State is of the view that the Proposed Development is likely to have significant effects on the environment in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. In accordance with Regulation 32 of the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (EIA Regulations) the Secretary of State has provided information to the above mentioned EEA States about the Proposed Development and its likely significant effects, and these States have been asked to indicate by 23 January 2025 whether or not they wish to participate in the procedure for examining and determining the application under the Planning Act 2008 (PA 2008) and Regulation 32 of the EIA Regulations.

The application is being examined in public and, subject to the provisions of the PA 2008, the examination will be completed within a period of six months. Further information about how to participate in the examination procedure under the PA 2008 and the way in which the Secretary of State notifies and consults EEA States in accordance with Regulation 32 of the EIA Regulations is available on the UK Government’s website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-infrastructure-planning-advice-notes.

Following examination of the application and having taken the environmental information into consideration, the decision maker may refuse or grant development consent. If development consent is granted, this may be subject to requirements which, if necessary, will secure measures to measures to avoid, reduce or offset the major adverse effects of the Proposed Development. Signed by the Planning Inspectorate for and on behalf of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.