Extending the existing Greater Gabbard Offshore Windfarm off the East Anglian coast, North Falls Offshore Windfarm would be capable of generating up to one gigawatt of renewable energy, enough clean power for hundreds of thousands of homes annually. This nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) supports the UK's transition to a low-carbon future.
With its status as an NSIP, a Development Consent Order (DCO) approval was required for North Falls Offshore Windfarm. We played a key role in securing the consent, granted on behalf of the Secretary of State in May 2026. This decision represented a major milestone for the project, which is being jointly developed by RWE and SSE Renewables.
The scheme includes up to 57 wind turbines across a 95-square-kilometre (36-square-mile) offshore array area, together with major offshore substations and approximately 24 kilometres (15 miles) of onshore export cable connecting the project to the national electricity network. This represented a complex planning and consenting challenge involving multiple stakeholders, communities and regulatory bodies.
Our team supported the project from the earliest stages through to the successful DCO decision. We drew on expertise from across our planning, consenting, infrastructure advisory and programme management teams.
We led the preparation of key planning documentation, including the planning statement and needs case, coordinated the DCO application submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, and provided ongoing support throughout examination. Working closely with RWE, SSE Renewables, local authorities, communities, and statutory consultees, we helped shape a well-evidenced application that addressed the project's technical, environmental and planning considerations.
The scheme is one of the largest renewables projects to be consented in England. Subject to securing a route to market and final investment decisions by the joint venture shareholders, North Falls would create long-term employment and economic opportunities in the region while strengthening energy security and helping meet decarbonisation targets.
" }