Planning applications
Liverpool Bay CCS Limited (LBCCS), a member of the Eni SpA group (the Applicant), received stakeholder feedback as part of the Marine License (ML) application [CML2365] and the Pre-application Consultation (PAC) as part of the original planning application [FUL/000246/23] for the PoA Terminal and Foreshore Works.
In response, we proposed that the cable route be realigned from our original proposals to minimise impact on port movements and the environment. This realignment proposed in the PoA Cable Route Foreshore Works planning application [FUL/000705/25], was consented by Flintshire County Council’s (FCC) planning committee in November 2025.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was undertaken as part of the original planning application for the PoA Terminal and Foreshore Works, and an Environmental Statement (ES) was submitted as part of the ML application. The EIA demonstrated that, through careful use of mitigation measures, the works would not result in any long term significant adverse environmental effects. Given the PoA Cable Route Foreshore Works constitutes only a realignment to the original route, it was concluded that there would be no additional adverse effects to those already reported in the ES.
Benefits of the cable realignment
The realignment does not introduce new or additional significant environmental effects and, rather has several ecological and environmental benefits in comparison to the original route proposed:
Figure 1 - The map shows the consented realigned cable route in green compared to the original cable route proposed in red.
- Minimised ecological impact: the realignment has a slightly smaller seabed footprint in the inter-tidal and sub-tidal areas, due to a more direct, straighter route.
- Environmental advantages: the realignment of the cable laying and the repositioning of the HDD Exit Pit now places the works an additional 250m away from the Little Tern colony at Gronant Dunes. This adjustment means the works will be over 2,250m away from the colony, further minimising potential disturbance to egg laying and chick rearing during the breeding season. Additionally, the cable will be routed on the eastern edge of the Little Tern foraging and provisioning range, an area with less than 1.5% foraging distribution and activity.
- Regulatory compliance: the realignment remains compliant with the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Water Framework Directive (WFD), with no additional adverse effects on designated sites, habitats or water quality.
Minimising impact to the environment during construction
The construction method
The use of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) allows us to lay cables underground by drilling underneath the sand dunes, instead of digging through them. This trenchless technique will minimise:
- the removal of any sand;
- disturbance to the ground surface; and
- interference with the flood defence characteristics.
This will ensure that there are no direct impacts to Talacre Brook, the Talacre dune system, the Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an area of grassland that forms part of the Dee Estuary Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA).
Construction practices
Our construction contractor, Boskalis, will undertake all site works in accordance with current guidance and best practice to protect the environment:
- Task-specific lighting will be used when required for the safe delivery of works at the lowest brightness level possible. Lighting will be designed and positioned to reduce light pollution into adjacent properties and habitats.
- Fenced boundaries will be reinstated, gaps in hedgerows will be replanted, and grassland will be cultivated. Fencing will be installed in areas of grassland reinstatement to allow the re-seeded grass to establish.
- Measures for pollution and dust controls will be implemented to minimise the likelihood of habitat degradation during construction.
- A piled cofferdam – a temporary wall made of steel sheet piles – will be installed to create an enclosure that will contain any drilling fluids and prevent their release into the environment. It will be removed once construction is complete.
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
An ECoW has been appointed to support, oversee and monitor Boskalis during the works. The ECoW’s role includes, but is not limited to:
- Undertaking or overseeing pre-construction surveys for protected species.
- Providing ecological advice to the contractor to ensure Boskalis staff are aware of their responsibility with regards to wildlife and sensitive habitats.
- Monitoring ecological conditions to identify any constraints.
- Overseeing the implementation of mitigation measures to ensure compliance with protected species legislation, licensing and commitments in the ES and Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
Protecting wildlife
Our construction programme focuses on minimising the impact on the environment, wildlife breeding periods, local community, and port movements. To achieve this, we have planned our construction programme and groundworks to avoid the breeding and/or hibernation seasons as far as is reasonably practicable to minimise disturbance to the:
- Little Tern (breeding season is between mid-April to mid-July)
- Cetti’s Warbler (breeding season is between late March to mid-April)
- Natterjack Toads (breeding season is approximately April to July)
- Great Crested Newt (hibernation season is typically October to March)
A pre-construction survey as well as ongoing surveys will be carried out at Warren Farm and the sand dunes to identify and monitor Natterjack Toads, Sand Lizards and Great Crested Newts. If their presence is confirmed at any stage, works will cease, and the ECoW will be contacted to advise on the best way to proceed.
Additionally, the targeted burial depth of the HDD conduit means disturbance to protected species and their dune habitats is not anticipated. For example, Natterjack Toads typically burrow less than 50cm deep, and Sand Lizards up to around 1m, which is shallower than the planned conduit depth.
Environmental documents
If you would like further information on environmental protection and mitigation measures, you can view these documents here.
- Environmental Studies Report – Cultural Heritage, Biodiversity, Arboriculture
- Stage 1 and 2 Habitats Regulations Assessment
- Water Framework Directive (WfD) Assessment
- Net Benefit for Biodiversity (NBB) and Green Infrastructure Statement
- Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)
Gronant Dunes