'Failed to engage' - Fylde Council slams developers behind Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Wind Farms
“We will continue to make the case as strongly as we can.”
Fylde Council has accused the developers behind the proposed Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Wind Farms Transmission Assets project of having ‘failed to meaningfully engage.’
The accusation comes as the council submitted further representations to the Secretary of State following their review of documents provided since the Development Consent Order (DCO) examination closed on June 19.
The council is arguing that the withdrawal of Morgan Offshore Wind Limited from the project creates significant delivery and enforcement risks.
While acknowledging that progress has been made on some issues, the council maintains that the applicants have not fully explained how the development would be delivered or justified its impacts. It says this uncertainty may underpin many of the concerns it has previously raised.
The submission also includes a joint economic review commissioned by Fylde, Wyre and Lancashire councils. The review concludes that the proposed onshore transmission route could cost up to £520 million more than an alternative northern route via Rossall and Hillhouse.
According to the review, the alternative route could create around 1,100 additional jobs and generate between £990 million and £1.7 billion in Gross Value Added. It also concludes there are "no insurmountable environmental or ecological challenges" to delivering the alternative scheme.
The Secretary of State has published all representations from interested parties ahead of an anticipated decision on September 14.
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‘The full picture’
Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: "With a decision now anticipated in September, it is vital that the Secretary of State has the full picture before reaching any conclusions.
“The economic evidence is compelling, the concerns around delivery and enforcement remain unresolved, and the communities most affected by this development deserve to know that every option has been properly considered.
“We will continue to make the case as strongly as we can in the time that remains."