Bristol Wind Terminal - Screening and Scoping Opinion
A screening and scoping opinion is now available from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) following Bristol Port鈥檚 28 March 2025 notice of intent to apply for a harbour revision order for a new terminal at Avonmouth, with the MMO concluding that the project requires an Environmental Impact Assessment under the EIA Directive.
Documents
Details
On 28 March 2025, Bristol Port company issued a notice in accordance with paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 of the Harbours Act 1964 to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) of their intention to submit a harbour revision order application for the construction of a terminal at the Port at Avonmouth to support the development of floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea.
As the proposed order would authorise, either directly or indirectly, a project which causes a physical intervention in the marine environment, the MMO was required by Schedule 3 of The Harbours Act 1964 to screen the proposed application against Council Directive 2011/92/EU (鈥渢he EIA Directive鈥).
The MMO considers the proposed works to be an Annex II project under the EIA Directive 2011/92/EU, specifically:
10 (e) 鈥楥onstruction of roads, harbours and port installations, including fishing harbours (projects not included in Annex I).
10 (k) Coastal work to combat erosion and maritime works capable of altering the coast through the construction, for example, of dykes, moles, jetties and other sea defence works, excluding the maintenance and reconstruction of such works; and
The MMO reviewed the submitted screening report and, in consultation with relevant bodies, issued their screening opinion which concluded that the project falls within Annex II to Council Directive 2011/92/EU (as amended) on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment and therefore constitutes development requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment. The MMO issued their screening and scoping opinion on 25 June 2025.
Full details of the MMOs decision can be viewed in the MMO Screening and Scoping Opinion.