The High Court has granted permission for a challenge to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s decision to grant development consent for the Norfolk Vanguard windfarm, a sizeable development in the North Sea off the coast of Norfolk.

In his claim under section 118 of the Planning Act 2008, the Claimant maintains that the Secretary of State unlawfully excluded from consideration the cumulative effects of the Norfolk Vanguard windfarm taken together with its sister windfarm project, Norfolk Boreas. Both wind farm projects are being brought forward by Vattenfall Wind Power Limited and are intended to share some infrastructure, but are subject to  separate applications for development consent.

Mrs Justice Lang granted permission on all grounds and the claim is expected to be heard in the New Year.

Ned Westaway and Michael Brendan Brett act for the Claimant, instructed by Thrings LLP; Hereward Phillpot QC acts for  the Interested Party, Norfolk Vanguard Limited, instructed by Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP.