2002
 
The Government identified three strategic areas suitable for offshore wind farm development. This was part of a national strategy under a process called the Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA).One of the areas that was selected called the ‘Greater Wash’ and includes the Holderness coast.

2003
 
We assessed the Greater Wash and submitted a bid to the Crown Estate (the guardian of the seabed) for an offshore windfarm. The bid was accepted, enabling us to develop an option for the Humber Gateway site.

2004

We carried out a consultation to understand the views of key statutory bodies on Humber Gateway. This formed the basis of an initial Scoping Report and contained all the responses we received.

2005

We began more detailed investigations and extensive surveys to understand the local environment. This also helped us to determine that the offshore wind farm was feasible.  

2006

We continued our consultation with key statutory bodies, so we could better understand their concerns and address them as part of the proposed design.
 
2007

We prepared the environmental statement that accompanies our planning application. We also held five public exhibitions to give the local community an opportunity to learn more about our plans - at Skettling, Patrington and Hedin (along the proposed route of the underground cable), one at Withernsea on the Holderness coast, and one at Cleethorpes.

2008

We submitted our planning applications for the offshore wind farm and also for the onshore underground cable.A separate planning application to build a new onshore substation near Saltend, east of Hull, will follow shortly.