Supporting from the consenting phase through to implementation 

Sheringham Shoal Extension Project (SEP) & Dudgeon Extension Projects (DEP) required resource to manage the Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) process for the projects which included the identification and development of compensation measures for Sandwich tern and kittiwake. Both of these species required different approaches to projects that had gone through the derogation process previously.

Sandwich tern impacts had not previously led to a conclusion of likely Adverse Effect on Integrity (AEoI) and as such there was no precedent for compensation measures that could be used as a starting point for investigation.

Whilst measures to compensate for the impacts on the kittiwake feature of the Flamborough and Filey Coast SPA had been previously identified by projects including Hornsea 3 and Norfolk Vanguard, the scale of impact from SEP&DEP was considerably lower and therefore taking the same approach as those projects would have been disproportionate. As such a different approach was required to identify, secure and agree a more cost-effective and suitably scaled compensation measure.

Our methodology

We worked closely with the Equinor project team and their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultants during the pre-application phase in the role of HRA Lead to support the development of not only the compensation measures but also the supporting documentation including implementation and monitoring plans. This involved coordinating inputs from across the project including legal, land, engineering, consents and environment to progress a robust alternatives process that considered a range of potential measures which were then discussed with the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, landowners and environmental NGOs.

The key output of this process were two securable, deliverable measures:

• Kittiwake Tower Extension (Gateshead): A proportionate measure to the scale of impact with a high likelihood of success; installing additional nesting ledges to an already established kittiwake colony at an artificial nesting structure (ANS) in Gateshead.
• Sandwich Tern Nesting Site (West Coast Scotland): The development of a proposal for an inland pool to provide nesting habitat at Loch Ryan, Scotland, to restore the breeding range that had been lost from the area.

Once preferred options were identified, the role expanded to include managing the practical delivery of the measures.

Results

Equinor secured the DCO consent for both projects; what began as one of the project’s highest risk items was successfully managed to consent.

Post-DCO award CEA have continued to project manage the delivery of both kittiwake and Sandwich tern compensation measures, securing planning permission for the Loch Ryan and Gateshead proposals, engaging with landowners, local communities and stakeholders and chairing the statutory steering group. In addition, CEA have drafted the compensation implementation and monitoring plans for both sites which will be submitted for approval to the Secretary of State.

Both compensation sites will provide habitat for the operational life of the wind farms, delivering quantified bird compensation.