Point of Ayr Terminal and Foreshore Works Consented Development
The works of the Consented Development comprise:
- Retention and use of existing structures, plant and ancillary development forming the PoA Terminal for the transport of CO₂ and the demolition / removal of redundant structures at the Terminal.
- Construction and use of new infrastructure required for CO₂ service at the PoA Terminal.
- Retention and use of the existing 20-inch diameter gas pipeline.
- Condensate pipes and associate cables from the PoA Terminal to the Mean Low Water Spring (MLWS) line for the transport of CO₂ and associated activities.
- Removal of the Shut Down Valve compound associated with the existing 20-inch diameter gas pipeline from the PoA Terminal to the MLWS line and appropriate restoration / remediation.
- Construction and use of two 33kV electricity and fibre-optic connections from PoA Terminal to the MLWS line.
- Construction and use of two kiosks and associated fenced compounds located on the line of the proposed combined 222kV electricity and fibre-optic cable.
The new TCPA application for the Point of Ayr Cable Route Foreshore Works Proposed Development (“the Proposed Development”) will seek re-authorisation of the same works already consented under application FUL/000246/23, but on a new alignment for the combined electricity and fibre-optic cable that is approximately 250m further east along Talacre Beach.
Pre-application Consultation (PAC) for the Consented Development in 2022
The PAC for the Consented Development took place between 7 November and 5 December 2022. Information about the project was shared with stakeholders through the project website, leaflet drops, site notices, letters, emails, posters and an online, as well as an in-person, consultation event.
There were 16 responses from the public to the PAC and the key feedback themes were:
- Impact of the construction period on residents, including traffic management.
- Environmental management of the Gronant Dunes.
- Access to Talacre Beach.
- General comments about the merits and suitability of hydrogen and carbon capture projects.
- Investments in the community around Talacre.
Following submission of the planning application, the Consented Development was granted planning permission in May 2024 [FUL/000246/23] by the FCC Planning Committee. The construction of the Consented Development is scheduled to commence during Autumn of 2025, and Proposed Development in early 2026.
Marine Licence application in 2024
A ML application [CML2365] was submitted by LBCCS to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Marine Licencing Team in February 2024. This ML application proposed several marine licensable activities in Welsh Waters, including the installation of a new combined electrical and fibre-optic cable, from the PoA Terminal to the New Douglas OP in Liverpool Bay. These activities were assessed in the supporting Environmental Statement (ES). Two route options were described in the ML application for the landfall and nearshore area.
Notices were placed in local newspapers, which invited representations from stakeholders, and the public in relation to the ML application. Feedback from stakeholders identified that crossing the Welsh Channel to lay the cable could have implications for vessel movements in and out of the port. LBCCS was therefore requested to explore options to modify the installation method and alignment.
NRW Marine Licencing Team was satisfied with our consideration to explore alternative options, which led to an additional 42 days of consultation during the ML review with NRW. This resulted in consent being granted for the ML [CML2365] on 22 May 2025.