Compensation hierarchy for relevant offshore wind plans and projects
Published 21 May 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/offshore-wind-compensation-hierarchy/compensation-hierarchy-for-relevant-offshore-wind-plans-and-projects
The following tiers must be followed in sequential order when environmental compensatory measures are required for adverse effects on Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites.
You can read more on how to apply this compensation hierarchy and certain terms used within the hierarchy.
Tier 1 – Measures that benefit the impacted feature
Measures that provide ecological benefits for the impacted feature must be prioritised.
There are two circumstances where it is permissible to move to tier 2:
- there are no or insufficient measures available at tier 1 for the impacted feature
- where there is an available tier 1 measure or measures but there is an appropriate evidence-based justification, in the view of the consenting authority, having considered SNCB advice, that moving down the hierarchy to a measure or measures in tier 2 will have a greater ecological benefit to the UK Marine Protected Area network than the available tier 1 measure or measures.
If there is a tier 1 measure available, and there is not an appropriate evidence-based case that another measure or measures would have a greater ecological benefit to the UK Marine Protected Area network, progression to another tier is not permitted.
Tier 2 – Measures that benefit a similar feature
Measures that provide ecological benefits to a feature, or groups of features, which are ecologically similar to the impacted feature measures are wider compensatory measures, and they can only be used if they have been approved by the relevant Minister for use in tier 2.
There are two circumstances when it is appropriate to move to tier 3:
- there are no or insufficient measures available for a feature or features that are ecologically similar to the impacted feature
- where there is an available tier 2 measure, but there is an appropriate evidence-based justification, in the view of the consenting authority, having considered SNCB advice, that moving down the hierarchy to a measure or measures in tier 3 will have a greater ecological benefit to the UK Marine Protected Area network than the available tier 2 measure or measures
If there is a tier 2 measure available and there is not an appropriate evidence-based case that another measure or measures would have a greater ecological benefit to the UK Marine Protected Area network, progression to the next tier is not permitted.
Tier 3 – Measures that benefit the UK Marine Protected Area network more widely
Measures that provide ecological benefits to the UK Marine Protected Area network more widely. These measures are wider compensatory measures. They can only be used if they have been approved by the relevant Minister for use in tier 3 and when either of these apply:
- there are no or insufficient measures available in tier 2 for a similar feature.
- there is an appropriate evidence-based justification, in the view of the consenting authority, having considered SNCB advice, that a tier 3 measure will have a greater ecological benefit to the UK Marine Protected Area network than the available measure or measures in tier 2