Due to the nature of the project, the onshore and offshore elements of AQUIND Interconnector will be consented by separate bodies, including the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and relevant Local Planning Authorities in the UK.
Similar applications will also be submitted to the relevant French planning authorities for the onshore and offshore elements located in France.
The Offshore Planning Process
The offshore works required to lay the subsea cables can start once the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) issues a Marine Licence in accordance with the Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009.
The Onshore Planning Process
The onshore works in the UK, which include laying the underground cables and constructing a new converter station at Lovedean, require a planning permission in accordance with the Town & Country Planning Act 1990.
The relevant local planning authorities are Portsmouth City Council, Havant Borough Council, East Hampshire District Council and Winchester City Council.