East of England Sees Boost in Offshore and Onshore Renewable Energy Infrastructure

The UK’s east coast continues to play a key role in the transition to low‑carbon energy, with large‑scale renewable projects increasingly forming part of the national energy mix. Many offshore schemes make landfall along the coast before connecting into the wider electricity transmission network inland.

The volume of both onshore and offshore renewable development is driving a significant expansion of electricity infrastructure. This includes the delivery of new and upgraded substations, as well as wider reinforcement of the transmission system, to accommodate increased levels of electricity generation and changing patterns of demand. Alongside major grid connection points, a network of smaller intermediate substations is often required to support resilience and capacity across the system.

Offshore wind in particular has become central to the UK’s renewable strategy. While electricity generation takes place at sea, much of the supporting infrastructure is necessarily land‑based. This typically includes offshore export cables, onshore cable routes, converter stations or substations, and new or reinforced overhead or underground transmission connections linking into the national grid.

In parallel, substantial reinforcement of the electricity transmission network is underway to enable power to be moved efficiently from areas of generation to centres of demand. These reinforcement schemes can extend over many kilometres and often cross multiple landholdings. Infrastructure may include overhead lines, underground cabling, access routes, construction compounds and permanent operational assets. While attention frequently focuses on visible elements such as pylons or substations, the temporary impacts during construction can be just as significant for landowners and occupiers.

Many of these projects are promoted as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and are consented through the Development Consent Order (DCO) process under the Planning Act 2008. This statutory regime brings together planning permission, compulsory acquisition powers and other consents within a single process. Promoters are required to undertake comprehensive environmental assessment and public consultation before submitting an application, followed by detailed examination and determination at national level.

For those affected by proposed schemes, early engagement is critical. Even prior to formal consent being granted, developers may seek access for surveys and investigations, followed by negotiations relating to options, easements, wayleaves or leases. Where compulsory powers are ultimately exercised, compensation is assessed in accordance with the statutory Compensation Code. This covers not only the value of any land taken, but also disturbance, loss of crops or profits, professional fees and other losses arising as a result of the scheme.

A point that is often overlooked is that landowners and occupiers are entitled to independent professional advice, and that the reasonable costs of that representation are usually payable by the acquiring authority or scheme promoter, rather than by the affected party. This reflects the principle that those whose land is required in the public interest should not be placed at a financial disadvantage. Proper advice helps ensure that land rights are correctly documented, impacts are fully understood, and compensation is agreed on a fair and lawful basis.

As renewable generation and electricity network infrastructure continue to expand across the country, the interaction between offshore energy, onshore infrastructure and land interests is set to increase. Understanding the process, the long‑term implications for land, and the protections available to affected parties remains essential.

For further information, or for an informal and confidential discussion, please contact your local Brown&Co Land Agency team:

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