Offshore wind farm: marine infrastructure application accepted for examination by CoMin 

Consultation and website launched in what marks next step for Mooir Vannin project

The Council of Ministers has accepted for examination an application for the development of an offshore wind farm in Manx waters.

The proposal, the first of its kind, has been put forward by Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm Limited (Ørsted) under the Marine Infrastructure Management Act (MIMA).

It's for an 87-turbine wind farm 6-12 nautical miles off the east coast of the Island in an area it has an Agreement for Lease with the Department of Infrastructure.

What does this mean?

Unlike a typical planning application, this proposal will have to be treated separately and under different legislation as marine projects such as this fall outside the area covered by the Town and Country Planning Act - thus making CoMin the decision makers.

The Cabinet Office manages the consenting process on behalf of the Council.

Going forward, the application will be considered by an independent examining body - described as a 'panel of independent experts in major infrastructure consenting applications'.

Consultation and website

Government has introduced a consultation today to gain the views of residents and organisations regarding the application. It will run until midnight on 18 November. 

Meanwhile, a government website has been set up to act as a central resource for information, guidance, examination progress, and for documents and papers associated with the Mooir Vannin application examination.

You can find a link to that site HERE.

The independent body will collect the findings from the consultation and thereafter begin its own work. 

It's expected that within 60 days of the examination closing the body will make its own recommendations to ministers on whether or not to grant consent. 

Timeline

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan says: "Now that an application for marine infrastructure consent has been accepted for examination, a series of events with statutory timescales will get underway.

"The pre-examination phase of the process begins immediately, which means members of the public, organisations and stakeholders have the opportunity to express their views on the proposal.

"Today a 12-week public consultation opens for everyone across the Island, and beyond, to get involved, to read and understand the application, and to tell the examining body what they think. 

"Views expressed during this phase can inform and shape the structure of the examination, that is, the examination timetable and the issues to be assessed during the examination period.

"By submitting a written response you ensure your views are considered as part of the examination process prior to the final decision being made about the application. Anyone with an interest in the application can also register as an interested party to be kept informed on the progress of the application and of all meetings held by the examining body.

"At this stage the consultation is part of the statutory process and the next step required in law following the receipt of an acceptable application. This does not mean that the Council of Ministers, or indeed any particular Minister, is either for or against the proposals and throughout this period Government will not be in a position to comment on any of the merits or otherwise of the proposal. 

"The purpose of the consultation is to gather all those views from relevant stakeholders including the general public, and all the considerations that come forward as part of this process will be gathered and will be considered at the end of this examination period."

Where can I find out more about the application?

You can find the application process and a form to register as an interested party HERE.

People can also collect and return a paper copy of the form from 3rd Floor Government Offices, Bucks Road, Douglas IM1 3PN. Address the returned form to the Case Manager, Offshore Energy Programme.

A paper copy will also be available at Douglas City Library and Ramsey Town Library.

Anyone with questions about the consultation is asked to contact the Cabinet Office at MIMA.Applications@gov.im 

Meanwhile, any specific questions in respect of the application itself should be directed to Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm Limited HERE.