How we built lasting relationships with landowners on the Hornsea 1 and 2 offshore windfarm projects

Dalcour Maclaren’s involvement

1. Managing the land access and consents process, including land referencing, pre-entry surveys and landowner liaison
2. Land Surveying, including GPS/GNSS Land, Setting Out and Underground Utility Surveys
3. Drawing up land plans, including the location of the substation and footpath diversion
4. Working as part of a team of suppliers to secure two Development Consent Orders (DCOs), managing the discharging of planning conditions, land and property obligations under the DCO, as well as ensuring all land agreements were in place and obligations were adhered to throughout construction and into the operational phase
5. Facilitating compulsory acquisition and compensation negotiation with land agents representing the landowners
6. Project managing the enabling works and construction phase
7. Providing operation and maintenance service 

We Challenge

A vital part of driving forward a huge project like this one is understanding the needs of the landowners who are affected by the works. We always make an effort to reach out to farmers from the outset and build a lasting relationship based on respect for their livelihoods. 

We created and presented Toolbox Talks for landowners and contractors so that they knew what to expect from the project, to prevent any undue friction and to ensure health and safety was a top priority when on site. As the go-betweens for client, contractor, land agent and landowner, our role relies on relationship building, problem solving and, above all, excellent communication. 

We Innovate

Our geomatics team used cutting-edge surveying technology to get the precise data needed for construction. We started with Setting Out surveys to create a perfect site layout. For this, we used high-precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and advanced data controllers to create surveys. In spots where GNSS wasn't precise enough, we switched to Robotic Total Stations to keep things accurate. This made sure the work area was perfectly prepped for construction to start.

We also did Underground Utility Surveys in a busy area where new cable routes would cross existing pipes and wires. To handle this, we used a combination of electromagnetic location (EML) technology alongside ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems. This let us accurately find and map buried utilities, including their positions and depths. This data was a huge help to the construction contractors, preventing accidental strikes, keeping the project on schedule and making sure everyone stayed safe while installing the new cables.

We Care

We know that large-scale infrastructure projects – especially those with compulsory acquisition (CA) powers – can be disruptive and upsetting for landowners. At all times we do what we can to mitigate any losses or disturbance that might arise as a result of the works. 

At Hornsea, there was one landowner who owned an apple tree that was of huge sentimental value to him and his family. Unfortunately this tree was in the path of the cable route which could not be diverted, which meant that it had to be removed. Cuttings were taken from the tree prior to removal and moved to a specialist grower. The project was then able to provide the landowner with half a dozen saplings, all from the original tree, at the end of construction, which could then be replanted. This is indicative of the care we endeavour to show to those we work with on each and every one of our projects.   

Building lasting relationships

After seven years we still have positive ongoing relationships with the landowners involved in the Hornsea 1 & 2 projects, which is testament to the strong ties forged at the outset. This means that we’re easily able to get access to the land if engineers need to do a linewalk checking for issues. DM’s service to Ørsted throughout these projects has led us to complete a full suite of services for their Hornsea 3 project down in Norfolk. We’re currently providing Agricultural Liaison services, surveying services and providing specialist advice during the construction phase.