The information on this page was correct at the time of publishing (December 2022). The project has since evolved and we would encourage you to read our September update for more information.
North Falls: landfall
Progress on the landfall search area
The offshore export cables are brought to shore at a location known as 'landfall'.
The previous consultation highlighted a landfall search area - the section of coastline between Clacton-on-Sea and Frinton-on-Sea - which was defined through a process of engineering and environmental review and assessment. The process took into account a range of constraints including designated sites, nature reserves, land use, historic features and technical feasibility.
The landfall selection process has continued following the confirmation of the grid connection location and further data collection and consultation. This work has resulted in a landfall compound zone (see map), within which the temporary construction compound would be located. The precise landfall location will be identified, from within this zone, and finalised in advance of the development consent application submission.
Construction works at landfall
Construction works at the point of landfall will comprise the installation of underground cable ducts using horizontal directional drilling (HDD) or another trenchless technique. This will be done from the landward side, with the drill exiting beyond the beach in the sub-tidal zone. This method will bury the cable ducts deep under Holland Haven Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and so avoid crossing the site at the surface. Once the ducts are installed underground, the offshore cables will be pulled through them, before being connected to the onshore cables at transition joint bays which will also be buried once construction is complete.
Although there would be temporary disruption during the project construction, there will be no permanent above-ground building at landfall. The objective is to keep any disruption to a minimum through considerate construction activities including the use of the HDD installation methodology mentioned above.
Feedback Questions
Half of the respondents did not respond to this question while the other half had a wide range of comments including those related to construction concerns such as: avoiding any closures of local footpaths or bridleways; keeping heavy construction traffic off residential roads; and minimising construction noise. There was also acknowledgement of the beauty of the local area and that care should be taken to 'put things back how you found them'. Awareness was raised of the area's susceptibility to flooding and the possible presence of WWII unexploded ordnances. Finally there was also the request to minimise the extent of any sailing restrictions.
