Cromer Offshore Wind Farm: Offshore Elements

Royal Haskoning undertook a Scoping Study and EIA for the offshore elements associated with the proposed Cromer Offshore Wind Farm, 7km off Cromer on the North Norfolk Coast. The wind farm site is approximately 10km2 in size and consists of 30 turbines, infield cabling and a site to shore cable. The initial scoping study identified the requirements for the EIA which was then undertaken over a 15-month period.

The EIA involved detailed consultation with both statutory and non-statutory consultees with particular emphasis on the future community including the renowned Cromer crab fishery. Public meetings and exhibitions were held to present and discuss key aspects of the proposed development.

The existing environment was described through a combination of literature reviews and field studies, including benthic and epibenthic surveys, sediment size and quality surveys and bird surveys. An Environmental Statement was submitted in support of the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) and Food and Environment Protection Act


Cromer Offshore Wind Farm: On-shore Elements

Royal Haskoning undertook a Scoping Study and EIA for the onshore elements associated with the proposed Cromer Offshore Wind Farm. The Scoping Study investigated the potential environmental effects of tow cable routes, including a landfall site where the cables came ashore, a buried cable route, two sub-stations and upgrading of existing overhead cables.

As a result of the findings of this Scoping Study, the scheme was revised to include a much shorter cable route and only one sub-station. An EIA was subsequently undertaken on this revised scheme. Detailed consultation was again undertaken with both statutory and non-statutory consultees. Desk studies and field studies were carried out to describe the existing environment. An Environment Statement was prepared and submitted in support of the planning application.