“Compensation Plan” to encourage the growth of Kittiwake seabird numbers as green light given for Hornsea Three

Ørsted has officially been given the green light to start work on the third phase of its mammoth Hornsea wind farm off the coast of Norfolk, despite concerns raised by conservation groups over the potential impact of the development on local sea birds.

Following several delays on a final decision the UK’s Planning Inspectorate finally granted development consent for the 2.4GW Hornsea Three Offshore Wind Farm.

The energy giant has now promised to deliver a “compensation plan” for the 300-turbine wind farm aimed at encouraging the growth of kittiwake seabird numbers elsewhere in order to balance the potential loss of populations as a result of the Hornsea Three project.

Conservation groups were less convinced by the company’s compensation plan, however the RSPB said the Planning Inspectorate’s decision was “nothing short of a gamble”and “Industry alone cannot reconcile the challenge of increased deployment and threats to nature,”.

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