White Cross Complements Consent Application with New Environmental Findings

July 19, 2024, by Adnan Memija

White Cross Offshore Windfarm Limited, a joint venture between Cobra and Flotation Energy, has submitted further environmental information to support its application for the 100 MW floating wind project in the Celtic Sea.

The developer behind the White Cross floating offshore wind project is seeking consent from North Devon Council and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to construct and operate a 100 MW wind farm and for works to connect the project to the grid.

Earlier this year, North Devon Council requested further environmental information be provided to enable them to consider White Cross’ planning application, following consultation in 2023.

The latest data has been provided, encompassing the findings from new ecological surveys and assessments, as well as additional evaluations and reports relating to the cable route and landfall areas.

It also includes an updated programme of works and methodology covering both public safety, car park and traffic considerations, and for landfall construction, independent reviews of the site selection assessments for the project’s landfall point, cable corridor, and substation site.

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The wind farm cabling will make landfall at the northern end of Saunton Sands beach near the car park. The connection will be via underground cabling which will then run under the golf course before turning south, going under the Taw Estuary and connecting to the grid at East Yelland.

“Taking care of the environment around Saunton Sands, Braunton and East Yelland is a top priority for us. We want to be transparent about our plans and work with the community while we connect the turbines to the grid. Providing this updated information is the latest stage of that process, and we hope it will enable North Devon Council and the Marine Management Organisation to make an informed decision,” said Al Rayner, White Cross project director.

The proposed wind farm, located 52 kilometres off the North Devon coast, will feature six to eight floating wind turbines and when operational, generate enough renewable energy to power around 135,000 households.