HL Deb 15 December 2003 vol 655 c114WA
Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the "Arrangement of Articles" for the Lynn (S.I. 2003/2829), the Norfolk (S.I. 2003/2830), and the Inner Dowsing (S.I. 2003/2831) Offshore Wind Farm Orders do not follow the same format. [HL231]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

While there are minor differences in format between the various statutory instruments reflecting the individual nature of each project, they all follow the same basic structure.

Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment has been made of the potential damage to the bird life from the decision in the Lynn (S.I. 2003/2829); the Norfolk (S.I. 2003/2830); and the Inner Dowsing (S.I. 2003/2831) Offshore Wind Farm Orders to paint nacelles and blades submarine grey; and what organisations were consulted about these orders. [HL232]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

My department is financing a number of bird studies associated with offshore wind farm developments but nothing is planned on the impact of colour on bird strikes. The requirement to paint nacelles and blades submarine grey was necessary to minimise visual intrusion when the wind farms are viewed from the shore. Each developer will have consulted widely on the proposed development but consultees on the draft orders included the relevant local council, port and water authority, the Chamber of Shipping, Countryside Agency, the Crown Estate, English Heritage, English Nature, Environment Agency, Health and Safety Executive, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Royal Yachting Association, Radiocommunications Agency, RSBP, the Trinity House Lighthouse Service and a number of government departments.