On 18th December 2003 The Crown Estate awarded London Array Limited an Agreement for Lease to develop a 1,000MW wind farm in the outer Thames Estuary. The schematic illustrates the key consents and licences needed for the London Array wind farm.

In June 2005, applications were made by London Array Limited for these consents and licences. National Grid also applied for the Section 37 consent needed to allow the necessary modifications to the overhead transmission line.

Approvals for the key consents have occurred over a number of years as detailed in the list below:
• Section 36 consent (Section 36 of the Electricity Act, 1989) - Granted December 2006
• Section 36A declaration (Section 36A of the Electricity Act, 1989) - Granted December 2006
• Section 37 consent (Section 37 of the Electricity Act, 1989) - Granted December 2006
• FEPA licences (Food and Environmental Protection Act, 1985) - Granted December 2006
• Planning permission (Section 57 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990) - Canterbury City Council granted permission in June 2007, Swale Borough Council in August 2007
• CPA consent (Section 34 of the Coast Protection Act, 1949) - Granted December 2006

In January 2006, applications were made to the Port of London Authority and the Medway Ports Authority for River Works Licences. These were granted in June 2008 and are needed for the cables that will be laid within their jurisdiction.