Guide

Development Consent Order (DCO)

Offshore wind farms exceeding 100MW and other Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) require a Development Consent Order from the Secretary of State.

Manufacturing & EngineeringEnergy & Utilities UK-wide

What is a DCO?

A Development Consent Order provides planning permission, compulsory acquisition powers, and other consents needed for nationally significant energy projects. For offshore wind, this typically applies to projects over 100MW.

The DCO process

  1. Pre-application: Environmental Impact Assessment, community consultation (12-24 months)
  2. Acceptance: Planning Inspectorate checks application validity (28 days)
  3. Pre-examination: Registration of interested parties (3 months)
  4. Examination: Written and oral evidence gathering (6 months)
  5. Recommendation: Examining Authority report (3 months)
  6. Decision: Secretary of State determination (3 months)

Total timeline

DCO examination takes approximately 18 months from application acceptance. Including pre-application work, total timeline is typically 3-4 years.

  1. Engage Planning Inspectorate early

    Engage Planning Inspectorate early for pre-application advice

  2. Commission assessments

    Commission Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment

  3. Conduct statutory consultation

    Conduct statutory consultation with local authorities and communities

  4. Submit DCO application

    Submit DCO application with all required documents

  5. Participate in examination

    Participate in examination hearings and respond to questions

  6. Await Secretary of State decision

    Await Secretary of State decision

Apply for a Development Consent Order

Offshore Wind Development Consent Orders (DCO)

Offshore wind projects over 100MW in English territorial waters require a Development Consent Order from the Secretary of State. Understand the specific thresholds, fees, timelines and 7-stage process for offshore wind NSIPs.

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Develop offshore wind projects and secure seabed leases

How to develop offshore wind projects in UK waters, from securing seabed rights through Crown Estate leasing rounds to obtaining Section 36 consent, safety zones, and grid connections. Covers England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland with differences in consenting regimes and landlords.

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Marine Licence

Activities in the marine environment (below Mean High Water Springs) require a Marine Licence from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) in England.

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Crown Estate Offshore Wind Seabed Leasing

Securing seabed rights is the critical first step for offshore wind projects in UK waters. The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland manage competitive leasing rounds with option fees, operational rent, and up to 60-year lease terms.

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