Minikster for Energy Consumers (): This Statement concerns
three separate applications for development consent made under
the Planning Act 2008 by:
-
Morgan Offshore Wind Limited and Morecambe Offshore Windfarm
Limited for the Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Wind Farms
Transmission Assets in the East Irish Sea off the coast of
North West England, including onshore connection to the
electricity transmission network. The current statutory
deadline for the decision is 29 April 2026.
-
RWE Renewables UK Dogger Bank South (West) Ltd and RWE
Renewables UK Dogger Bank South (East) Ltd for the Dogger
Bank South Offshore Wind Farms in the North Sea approximately
100km for the East coast, including onshore connection to the
electricity transmission network. The current statutory
deadline for the decision is 30 April 2026.
Under section 107(1) of the Planning Act 2008, the Secretary of
State must make a decision on an application within three months
of the receipt of the Examining Authority's report unless a new
deadline is set using the power under section 107(3) of the
Planning Act 2008. Where a new deadline is set, the Secretary of
State must make a Statement to Parliament to announce it.
Having consulted the relevant guidance and under advice from
officials I have agreed to set a new deadline of no later than 14
May 2026 for deciding these applications. This is because the
current statutory dates for these three cases are within the
pre-election period for local elections in England. This period
commences on Thursday 16 April and the guidance advises that
particular care should be taken where there is a specific local
or geographical dimension to an announcement; where an
announcement could have a particular impact on an area or areas
where elections are being held; and where an announcement relates
to matters which are likely to be raised in election campaigns.
For that reason, I am moving the decision dates to 14 May.
The decision to set the new deadline for these applications is
without prejudice to the decision on whether to grant or refuse
development consent.
