Paragraph 20 Biodiversity net gainI1
England and Wales
No stage of Work No. 15 (substation zone works) (excluding any onshore site preparation works) may commence until—
a biodiversity net gain strategy which accords with the outline biodiversity net gain information comprising the Onshore Biodiversity Net Gain Indicative Design Stage Report has been approved in writing by the F1discharging authority;
the biodiversity gain strategy must set out how it will secure a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain for all of the onshore works of the authorised development, using a biodiversity metric approved by the F2discharging authority; and
the biodiversity net gain strategy must be accompanied by copies of any legal agreements with any offsite provider which demonstrate that the delivery of any offsite biodiversity units which contribute towards achieving a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain for the onshore works of the authorised development, and the maintenance of the offsite works for a period of thirty years from the date of the final commissioning of the authorised development, is secured.
The location for delivery of offsite biodiversity units is to follow a prioritisation exercise, as described in the Onshore Biodiversity Net Gain Indicative Design Stage Report, with priority given to areas inside or within close proximity to the proposed Order limits (within Tendring District or same National Character Area within Essex).
The biodiversity net gain strategy must be implemented as approved.
Any remaining shortfall in biodiversity units identified following detailed design will be secured prior to construction works being completed.
In this paragraph “offsite biodiversity units” means any contribution to the minimum 10% biodiversity net gain for the onshore works of the authorised development that are to take place outside of the Order limits.
Annotations
Textual amendments
- F1
Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 1 para. 20(1)(a) substituted (6.10.2026) by The Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm (Correction) Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/1070), art. 1, Sch.
- F2
Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 1 para. 20(1)(b) substituted (6.10.2026) by The Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm (Correction) Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/1070), art. 1, Sch.
- F3
Sch. 2 Pt. 1 para. 20(4) substituted (6.10.2026) by The Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm (Correction) Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/1070), art. 1, Sch.
Commencement
- I1
Sch. 2 Pt. 1 para. 20 in force at 8.1.2026, see art. 1