'There is a better option' - Fylde MP Andrew Snowden responds to new 'flawed' Morgan offshore windfarm plans

Andrew Snowden, MP for Fylde, has responded to the new that a new developer is being sought for the Morgan offshore windfarm site, urging the government to consider alternative plans.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that the Crown Estate, a unique business  established by an Act of Parliament tasked with growing the value of the portfolio for the HM Treasury, is looking for a developer for the Morgan offshore wind site with plans to award the contract in late 2026.

Last month, The Gazette reported the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband had decided to re-set the statutory deadline for the application, which involved plans to run gigantic cables from both the Morgan windfarm and the Morecambe Bay offshore windfarm through Blackpool and Fylde to the National grid at Penwortham, to 14 September 2026.

A statement confirming the new deadline for the decision has been made to Parliament, in accordance with section 107(7) of the Planning Act 2008.

The massive 11-year cable infrastructure project has been met with concerns from Fylde coast residents and MPs because of an associated 15.5 mile underground cable route, which would come ashore near Starr Gate beach, close to Blackpool Airport, before running through the Fylde countryside and into a battery storage facility in Penwortham.

‘There is a better option available’

In response to the update, MP for Fylde Andrew Snowden said: “The announcement that the Crown Estate is launching a tender process for the Morgan windfarm site simply confirms what we already know, these plans are not going away. That is exactly why it is so important the Government gets this right now, before more decisions are locked in.

“I will continue to urge Ed Miliband to properly consider the clear alternative route that has been put forward by Lancashire County Council, Fylde Council and Wyre Council. The evidence is there, it is serious, and it must not be ignored.

“It is common sense that there is a better option available that could save hundreds of millions of pounds, reduce disruption, and avoid unnecessary damage to our coastline, farmland and countryside.

“This process underlines why we must keep the pressure up. We cannot allow flawed plans to simply roll forward without proper scrutiny of the alternatives. I will continue standing up for Fylde residents at every stage of this process until a fair and sensible outcome is reached.”

Economic viability

In January, Morgan Offshore Wind Limited pulled out of what was originally the Morgan and Morecambe windfarm project because “the project is no longer economically viable”, but the Morecambe section is still proceeding.

Windfarm developers say the project will produce 1500MW - enough electricity to power nearly two million homes every year. The turbines themselves have been granted planning permission.

Campaigners say the trenches the underground cables will sit in will be the equivalent width of “three motorways”.

A spokesman of Fylde Says No! said: “Fylde Says No! remain seriously concerned that BAE Warton seem to be continuing to state that it is impossible for them to accurately risk assess or mitigate the increased risk of birdstrikes, resulting from this proposed plan, on the high velocity aircraft using the Aerodrome.

“We don’t need to be aviation experts to know that a bird strike on a high velocity jet would cause a very serious, major incident, involving widespread destruction and loss of life. We do not see how this application can morally, ethically or legally be given approval whilst this stalemate exists.”

Who is The Crown Estate?

The Crown Estate has a diverse £15bn portfolio that includes urban centres and development opportunities; one of the largest rural holdings in the country; Regent Street and St James’s in London’s West End; and Windsor Great Park. They also manage the seabed and much of the coastline around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, playing a major role in the UK’s world leading offshore wind sector. 

They are a unique business  established by an Act of Parliament, tasked with growing the value of the portfolio for the nation and returning all of our net profit to HM Treasury for the benefit of public spending. This has totalled £5bn over the last 10 years. 

Through their activities and investments, The Crown Estate creates environmental, social and financial value both for now and into the long term. This includes: 

Playing a significant role in unlocking renewable energy for millions of homes through sectors such as offshore wind and creating opportunities for new technologies like CCUS and hydrogen to deliver the UK’s energy security transition, resulting in thousands of jobs for communities across the UK. 

Supporting the sustainable transformation of land use in the UK through diversified, regenerative agricultural and environmental best practice alongside a thriving natural world. 

Becoming recognised as a centre of excellence for environmental and ecological best practice across the Windsor Estate. 

Identifying and creating opportunities for thriving and resilient communities across the country to support regeneration, housing and innovation. 

Ensuring London retains its global city status, by fostering a more vibrant, greener and inclusive destination for millions of visitors and businesses.