Metadata detail: Subsea Cables - Areas safeguarded by policy SAF_01a

Identification

Title

Subsea Cables - Areas safeguarded by policy SAF_01a

Abstract

This layer shows the SAF_01a area for Subsea Cabling applying at the date of the publication of the Marine planning technical statement: safeguarding policy for subsea cabling.

The Subsea Cables SAF_01 Area was derived from data provided by OceanWise on the locations of subsea cabling running through the WNMP area, which can be found on the Welsh Marine Planning Portal under the Sectors category, then the Subsea Cabling subcategory.

Reflecting the need to allow safe access to installed cables, a buffer of 250m was applied on either side of each cable within the WNMP area to create the SAF_01a safeguarding area. This is a standardised and indicative buffer, reflecting the Crown Estate’s Works Restriction Zone. In practice, however, it will be necessary to ensure sufficient space is allowed for safe access to, and repair of installed cables. This usually equates to a buffer on either side of the cable of three times the water depth. Additionally, ESCA Guidelines state that, if activity is proposed within 1 nautical mile of a cable, dialogue should take place to agree mutually acceptable proximity limits.

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