2020 remains the UK target date for ensuring that 20% of its energy is obtained from a renewable source.
Although press coverage hints that government policy may change from its support for onshore wind, if the 20% target is to be achieved we are confident that onshore wind will be part of the mix. We expect continuing requests for onshore wind projects. The planning process is a complex one, with site assessment, cabling routes and grid connections all playing a major part.
Targets and support for offshore wind still remain. The larger numbers of turbines that can be placed offshore, compared to onshore sites, mean that in spite of the installation costs they remain economically viable for the developer. Most offshore projects achieve the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project tag and compulsory purchase rights are requested and granted as part of the consent to enable the onshore cable routes.
Tailored to client requirements FGP services include the following:
- Location and assessment of sites
- Land referencing to locate owners, occupiers and third party rights. This includes referencing for road widening and utility routes needed to service the site
- Maintaining records of all discussions as an audit trail
- Provision of voluntary agreements
- Organisation of access for Environmental and Technical Surveys
- The undertaking of Utility and Highways Searches
- Production of plans for option agreements. Mapping overlays can be provided for utility and highway information and to assist with audit trail
- Provision of Licence Agreements
- Completion of Pre Entry Records of Condition
- Assessment and settlement of all compensation claims
- Advise on and design pre and post construction drainage work
- Provision of an Agricultural Liaison Officer
- Financial services including regulated accounts for the distribution of payments to landowners
- Linesearchbeforeudig to identify cables close to intrusive digs
