North Devon Council has granted onshore planning consent for the 100-megawatt White Cross floating wind farm, a joint project by Flotation Energy and Cobra, clearing a key hurdle for the development off the south-west coast of England.
The council’s planning committee approved the application by a vote of 10 in favour, two against, and one abstention during a meeting held on May 7. The decision is subject to a series of conditions, including limitations on construction activity to daylight hours and restrictions on Sundays and public holidays. Drilling will only be permitted between April and October.
A Section 106 agreement will also need to be negotiated to outline developer contributions to local communities and environmental initiatives.
The onshore application, first submitted in August 2023, faced scrutiny due to its proposed landfall near Saunton Sands beach and the planned underground cable route to the East Yelland substation. Offshore elements of the project, including turbine installation, remain subject to separate consent from the Marine Management Organisation.
“We are delighted that North Devon councillors have voted to approve the onshore elements of the wind farm,” said Al Rayner, White Cross project director. “We are grateful to everyone who has engaged with the project throughout the process. In response to the feedback, we have adapted our plans to minimise environmental and social impacts.”
Rayner added that the project could support the development of a local supply chain and generate enough electricity to power around 135,000 homes.
The White Cross project forms part of the UK’s broader push to expand its floating offshore wind capacity and contribute to national decarbonisation goals.
