The White Cross Offshore Windfarm project, off the north Devon coast, has been granted full planning permission.

The test farm will comprise of up to eight floating wind turbines, capable producing 100MW according to developers Flotation Energy and Cobra, has faced environmental concerns over its onshore infrastructure.

However, after assurances from the developers, North Devon Council granted consent in May, while the Marine Management Organisation issued a Marine Licence for offshore construction in July. Full planning permission has now been granted including installation of 132kV underground electricity transmission cable from landfall at Saunton Sands Car park to a new substation at East Yelland.

White Cross will use innovative floating turbine technology. There will be up to eight wind turbines mounted on floating substructures, which are connected to the seabed using mooring lines and anchors. If the results of the initial project are successful, then further farms will follow.

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