Green light for Hornsea 4 windfarm

The proposed Hornsea 4 offshore windfarm off the Yorkshire coast has been given the go-ahead by the government.The application has been granted development consent by secretary of state for energy security and Net Zero Grant Shapps.The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration Ørsted Hornsea Project Four Ltd on 29 September 2021 and accepted for examination on 27 October 2021.During the examination, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the examining authority, with recommendations were made to the secretary of state on 22 November 2022.The proposed windfarm would be located within the western area of the Hornsea zone, about 69 kilometres off the Yorkshire coast.Ørsted is investigating an offshore area of up to 492 sq km, where up to 180 wind turbines could be located.The Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2 windfarms are currently in operation, and Hornsea 3 has received a Development Consents Order (DCO).Paul Morrison, chief executive at the Planning Inspectorate, said: “The Planning Inspectorate has now examined more than 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities have had the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them.”Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other Interested Parties were able to participate in this six-month Examination.”The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the Examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.”