1.5. Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation

1.5.1. Introduction

  1. This section presents a summary of volume 1, chapter 5 which contains information regarding stakeholder engagement and consultation undertaken by the Applicant during the pre-application phase of the Array.
  2. In particular, the stakeholder engagement and consultation Array EIA Report chapter summarises:
  • the policy and legislative context of consultation adhered to during the pre-Application phase for the Array;
  • the stakeholder engagement principles applied to the pre-Application phase.
  • a list of stakeholders consulted/approached for feedback; and
  • an overview of the stakeholder engagement undertaken.

1.5.2. Good Practice in Consultation

  1. The Applicant has sought to engage with stakeholders throughout the pre-Application phase, following advice from MD-LOT. The Applicant has reviewed and considered all feedback provided as part of stakeholder consultation in the pre-Application phase, and this is documented in the relevant chapters of the Array EIA Report.
  2. The Applicant is committed to stakeholder engagement at all phases of the Array, consulting on proposals at key stages throughout the development process. This engagement, including with statutory and non-statutory stakeholders, and the public, has occurred throughout the development of the Array.

1.5.3. Stakeholder Engagement

  1. A thorough statutory and non-statutory stakeholder engagement process has been undertaken by the Applicant. The Applicant aimed to develop a proportionate Array EIA Report, and the key to achieving this is engagement with stakeholders to incorporate advice, address concerns and develop appropriate mitigation required. This has included meetings, correspondence, meeting minutes and provision of digital documentation.
  2. The full list of stakeholders that were approached/consulted during the pre-Application process (including Scoping and LSE2 Screening) for the Array can be found in volume 1, chapter 5.

1.5.4. Public Engagement

  1. Key groups of public stakeholders have been engaged throughout the pre-application phase of the Array, as follows:
  • Strategic Engagement: Engagement focussed on local and national government bodies including local authority councillors;
  • National Engagement: Engagement focussed on statutory stakeholders and non-statutory bodies with particular interest in offshore activity; and
  • Local Engagement: Engagement focussed on local organisations, local communities and members of the public.
  1. A Fisheries Liaison Officer (FLO) has been engaged on Ossian since September 2023 to act as a liaison between the Applicant and the fishing industry. The FLO has the delegated authority to fully represent the Applicant on fisheries related issues, such as attending necessary Commercial Fisheries Working Groups (CFWGs), when in place, and seeking agreement on any necessary works relating to the Array. The Applicant has appointed Natural Power to act as FLO on the Array and Proposed offshore export cable(s) application. Ossian are also supported by dedicated in-house Commercial Fisheries Manager to lead on the Applicant’s representation on strategic fisheries work.