Energy & Utilities Energy and utilities UK-wide

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.

Guide summary

You need a Development Consent Order (DCO) for large energy projects like offshore wind farms over 100MW. Apply through the Planning Inspectorate and expect the full process to take 3 to 4 years. There is a strict 6-step process from early advice to the final decision by the Secretary of State.

  • Get pre-application advice from the Planning Inspectorate early
  • Commission an Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment
  • Consult with local authorities and the community
  • Submit your DCO application with all required documents
  • Take part in examination hearings and answer questions
  • Wait for the Secretary of State's decision (around 3 months)
  • Process takes about 18 months after application is accepted
  • Including pre-application work, total time is 3 to 4 years
On this page

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)