Energy & Utilities Energy and utilities

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.

UK-wide
Guide summary

Apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO) if your offshore wind farm is over 100MW or other large energy project. The process includes an Environmental Impact Assessment, community consultation, and examination hearings. It typically takes 3-4 years.

  • Apply for a DCO if your project is over 100MW
  • Start with pre-application advice from Planning Inspectorate
  • Conduct Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
  • Consult with local communities for 12-24 months
  • Submit full DCO application with all documents
  • Attend examination hearings for 6 months
  • Wait 3 অ months for Secretary of State decision
  • Total process takes 3-4 years
  • Different rules for solar and wind in UK nations
On this page
UK-wide

Related guides in Energy Planning Consents

Crown Estate Seabed Lease

All offshore wind developments in English and Welsh waters require a seabed lease from The Crown Estate.

Marine Licence

Activities in the marine environment (below Mean High Water Springs) require a Marine Licence from the Marine Management …

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. 1

    Engage Planning Inspectorate early

    Engage Planning Inspectorate early for pre-application advice

  2. 2

    Commission assessments

    Commission Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment

  3. 3

    Conduct statutory consultation

    Conduct statutory consultation with local authorities and communities

  4. 4

    Submit DCO application

    Submit DCO application with all required documents

  5. 5

    Participate in examination

    Participate in examination hearings and respond to questions

  6. 6

    Await Secretary of State decision

    Await Secretary of State decision

Apply for a Development Consent Order (opens in a new tab)