Gunfleet Sands Offshore Wind Farm: Renewable Energy Creates a Landmark

Photomontage of the proposed wind farm development from seafront at Clacton-on-Sea.

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Britain is perfectly placed to exploit the potential of wind in its bid to meet EU and UK targets of sourcing 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

Successful and productive offshore wind farm development is helped by the UK's island status, being the windiest country in Europe, and its relatively shallow seas. With such advantages, and the developments in turbine technology, the Crown Estate identified a number of suitable sites for offshore wind farms. This phased process is now entering Round 3 with the two Gunfleet Sands sites, located just off the coast at Clacton-on-Sea, being consented under the Round 1 and 2 stages.

As the capital of the Essex Sunshine Coast and the largest town on the Tendring Peninsula, Clacton-on-Sea was a popular seaside resort until its decline in the 1970s. The town's coastline remains a seasonal attraction and its proximity to London - 90 minutes from Liverpool Street station - means that a warm, sunny day is good for business. But the town is looking forward to the completion of its new landmark, the offshore wind farm, Gunfleet Sands, which the local council hopes will act as a year round feature and provide a secondary benefit to renewable energy production by boosting the local economy.

LDA Design was appointed to undertake the Seascape and Visual Impact Assessment (SVIA) for the proposed development of Gunfleet Sands I in 2001. Our assessment was incorporated into the Environmental Statement (ES) and submitted as part of the consent and approval process. The proposal comprised 30 turbines with a blade tip of 135m, to be situated approximately 5 miles out to sea, generating 108 MW or over 60,000 homes equivalent of energy. We were subsequently reappointed to undertake the SVIA for Gunfleet Sands II adding 18 more turbines, providing a further 64 MW or 35,000 homes equivalent of power to the UK's supply.

Following the consenting of both schemes construction started in April 2008.One of the factors in the first phase approval was the envisaged effects on the local economy. As well as providing employment in the construction and operation of the wind farm it is anticipated that it will attract visitors, who will then contribute to the economic regeneration of the seaside town.