The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has granted development consent for the Hornsea Project Four Offshore Wind Farm application.

The proposal calls for constructing the Hornsea Project Four offshore wind farm. 

This is within the western portion of the former Hornsea, known as Zone 4 under The Crown Estate’s Round 3 offshore wind licencing arrangements.

Orsted Hornsea Project Four Limited submitted the application to the Planning Inspectorate for review on 29 September 2021, and it was accepted for examination on 27 October 2021.

The Examining Authority made recommendations to the Secretary of State on 22 November 2022 following an Examination in which the public, Statutory Consultees, and Interested Parties were allowed to provide testimony.

The Planning Inspectorate has reviewed this 126th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and 73rd energy application.

Chief Executive Officer of the Planning Inspectorate, Paul Morrison, stated: “Since the Planning Act 2008 process was implemented, the Planning Inspectorate has examined more than 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects. Ensuring that local communities have had the opportunity to participate in the examination of projects that may affect them.”

“Local communities will continue to have the chance to participate in the examination of projects that may influence them. Local citizens, the local government, and other Interested Parties had the opportunity to participate in this six-month examination.”

Before recommending to the Secretary of State, the Examining Authority listened to and thoroughly considered all local perspectives and evidence gathered during the examination.

The public can access the decision, the Examining Authority’s recommendation to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and the confirmation considered.