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Welsh Ministers issue ‘Minded to’ letter for Morlais Tidal Stream Demonstration Zone

Coastline scaled

The Welsh Ministers have issued a ‘minded to’ letter indicating they are minded to grant permission for a ‘plug and play’ tidal stream demonstration zone off the coast of Anglesey, in an area within and/or adjacent to an AONB, SPA, SAC and SSSI.  If consented, it would be one of the world’s first such zones, and the first one at this scale (240MW max capacity subject to phasing). It follows an inquiry which took place in December 2020 and February this year.  The lengthy report of Inspector Clive Sproule and accompanying decision letter deal extensively with issues regarding the effect on the character and appearance of the natural environment,  marine matters and navigation, and the effects on biodiversity of the area (both birds and marine mammals), all in the context of a Rochdale envelope for a fast-developing but early stage technology. James Maurici QC and Nick Grant appeared for the developer, Menter Môn. Gwion Lewis QC and Andrew Byass appeared for Natural Resources Wales. Jacqueline Lean appeared for the RSPB.

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