In 2023, applications were submitted to the North Devon Council and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for the construction and operation of the wind farm and its grid connection infrastructure. These applications underwent three rounds of public consultation to address environmental and community concerns. The North Devon Council’s Planning Committee approved the onshore components, while the MMO issued a marine license under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, aligning with the South West Marine Plan for the offshore elements.
Sam Park, Senior Project Manager for the White Cross project, stated: “We are grateful to the North Devon Council and the Marine Management Organisation, and to everyone who has engaged with the project. In response to feedback, we have adapted our plans to minimise environmental and social impacts.” To reduce its environmental footprint, the project employs trenchless technology to route cables beneath Braunton Burrows and the Taw Estuary, avoiding disruption to the Braunton Burrows Special Area of Conservation and the Taw-Torridge Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The wind farm’s offshore export cables will connect at Saunton Sands beach, linking to fully buried onshore cables that extend eight kilometers to a new White Cross substation. This substation will integrate with the existing East Yelland substation, ensuring efficient grid connectivity.
Park added: “This decision gives us a valuable opportunity to harness this pioneering technology to help deliver the energy transition in the south west of England. By doing so, we will seek to spark the development of a specialised local supply chain, creating jobs whilst providing 135,000 homes with renewable energy.” The project is poised to stimulate local economies by fostering a specialized supply chain and generating employment opportunities.
The approval of the White Cross wind farm marks a significant advancement in the UK’s renewable energy efforts, supporting sustainable power generation while prioritizing environmental stewardship and community engagement.
