PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Hornsea 3 is a major offshore wind farm to be located approximately 120 km off the Norfolk coast. It forms a central part of the UK Government’s ambition to deliver 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030 under the British Energy Security Strategy.
Create has supported Ørsted – one of Northern Europe’s leading renewable energy developers – since 2018. Initially appointed to take over the Transport and Infrastructure work during the Development Consent Order (DCO) stage, we were selected for our local expertise and understanding of the region’s infrastructure sensitivities.
We played a pivotal role in progressing the DCO application by providing transport assessments, environmental inputs, and expert witness support. Following DCO approval in December 2020, we were appointed to deliver Lot 3: Traffic and Transport under Ørsted’s Post-Consent Onshore Management & Compliance Works.
Our remit includes enabling the delivery of onshore infrastructure such as cable routes, landfall infrastructure, converter and substation facilities, alongside supporting Ørsted’s principal contractors with technical advice and regulatory compliance.
WHAT WE DID:
DEVELOPMENT CONSENT ORDER (DCO) / PLANNING STAGE
- Transport Assessment
Prepared transport studies in support of the DCO application, addressing complex route, access, and logistics issues.
- Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP)
Developed plans to manage vehicle movements and minimise impact on local communities during construction.
- Environmental Advice
Provided technical input into environmental chapters and planning submissions.
- Expert Witness
Delivered specialist evidence as part of the DCO hearings to support planning consent.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION STAGE (ONSHORE INFRASTRUCTURE)
- Section 6 Agreements & Utility Diversion Management
Secured statutory agreements and coordinated utility diversion works with providers.
- Minor Works & Abnormal Load Approvals
Obtained Abnormal Indivisible Load (AIL) and Minor Works approvals to facilitate logistics.
- Ground Investigations & Soakage Testing
Undertook site investigations to inform infrastructure design and drainage planning.
CONSTRUCTION STAGE (ONSHORE INFRASTRUCTURE)
- Technical and Environmental Monitoring
Delivered air quality, noise and vibration monitoring with data reporting to meet compliance obligations.
- Traffic and Structural Support
Prepared final Construction Traffic Management Plans (CTMP) for multiple authorities and conducted bridge inspections and structural assessments to support safe transport movements.
- Contractor Support & Clerk of Works
Supported VolkerFitzpatrick with a road planning project and provided on-site presence to ensure adherence to technical requirements.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS / BENEFITS
- Successful DCO Consent
Secured consent for Hornsea 3 on 31 December 2020, helping to unlock a nationally significant infrastructure project.
- Continuity of Project Management
A dedicated Project Manager has overseen all activity, ensuring consistency and effective coordination throughout all phases.
- Strong Client Relationships
Maintained positive working relationships with Ørsted’s evolving project management team, providing continuity and confidence.
- Specialist Local Knowledge
Our regional understanding of Norfolk’s transport infrastructure and planning landscape has enhanced the project’s onshore delivery strategy.
- Effective Stakeholder Coordination
Long-standing relationships with local authorities and utility providers have ensured agreements – such as Section 278 approvals – were secured efficiently and on time.
- Regulatory Expertise
Our knowledge of planning policy and statutory processes ensured Ørsted had the right reports, consents and documentation to progress works at every stage.
CLIENT FEEDBACK
“I am writing with excellent news, we have (finally) secured a DCO for Hornsea Three! Thank you so much for your hard work well beyond examination, it is definitely reflected in the decision we have achieved.”
Celestia Godbehere, Environment Manager, UK Consents, Development Offshore at Ørsted
“I can honestly say that your technical expertise and drive to deliver the results we needed was invaluable and very likely kept me sane during the Examination process. You were a pleasure to work with, under what was very challenging circumstances.”
Sarah Drljaca, Consents Manager, UK Consents, Development Offshore at Ørsted