Move allows Orsted to apply for planning consent in England

The UK’s Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, has granted ‘nationally significant infrastructure status to Orsted’s plans to build a wind farm in Manx territorial waters.

The status enables Orsted to apply for planning consent by making a Development Consent Order application in England, utilising all the powers available under the UK Planning Act 2008.

The move has been described as a significant milestone for the project by Orsted’s Development Director for the Isle of Man, John Galloway.

UK Secretary of State, Ed Miliband says the proposed development and the project which it forms part of, will play an important role in enabling an energy system that meets the UK’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and the British Government’s objectives to create a secure, reliable and affordable energy supply to consumers.

Meanwhile John Galloway from Orsted says the ability to apply for planning consent for enabling transmission infrastructure in the UK is a crucial step towards the successful delivery of the wind farm and realising the Isle of Man’s goals for sustainable economic development and renewable energy.

If, or how Mr Miliband’s statement affects the planning process here in the Isle of Man is not explained.