I'm calling on the government to do the right thing and avoid years of disruption and permanent damage

Fylde MP Andrew Snowden has made a final call to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to reject the controversial Morgan and Morecambe offshore windfarm cabling corridor.

The call comes ahead of the Government decision expected on Thursday.

In a letter sent to the Secretary of State, Mr Snowden warns that the plans would cause “years of disruption and permanent damage” to communities across Fylde.

He urges ministers to either reject the application outright or pause the decision to properly investigate an alternative route backed by local councils.

The proposed development would see large scale underground cabling routed across Fylde, from St Annes beach, through rural Fylde, Kirkham, Newton and Clifton before finishing at Penwortham.

Residents, farmers and campaigners have all warned of major impacts on farmland, rural roads, local infrastructure and the environment.

The Fylde MP has also highlighted new evidence commissioned jointly by Lancashire County Council, Fylde Council and Wyre Council.

That suggests an alternative northern route through Rossall and Hillhouse Enterprise Zone could save up to £520m in infrastructure costs, dramatically reduce underground cabling, unlock over 1,100 jobs and generate up to £1.7bn in economic value.

‘The final chance’

“This is now the final chance for the Government to do the right thing and scrap the current plans,” said Mr Snowden. “Residents across Fylde have fought tirelessly against these deeply damaging proposals.

“Local campaign groups, parish councils, borough councils, the County Council and people from all political parties have come together to make an incredibly strong and united case that this proposal is wrong.

“I want to thank every single resident, campaigner and councillor who has worked so hard over many months to stand up for our communities, countryside and farmland.

“We all support secure and reliable energy generation, but these plans would industrialise huge parts of the Fylde Coast unnecessarily and leave local communities paying the price for years to come.

“There is now credible evidence showing that there is a better, cheaper and less damaging alternative available. The Government cannot simply ignore that. The decision now rests with Ed Miliband. He must listen to the concerns of local people, listen to the evidence presented by our councils, and reject these plans.”

Fylde Council leader Cllr Karen Buckley added: “The independent economic appraisal that was sent to the government three weeks ago demands attention by policy makers at the highest level. The decision on the windfarm corridor, whilst taken in Whitehall, will affect the daily lives of our residents in Fylde, especially in our rural communities.

“It is vital that all options are properly tested, particularly where there may be better ways of delivering the infrastructure that has less impact on our coastline, heritage and rural areas and unlocks potential economic benefits to our area.”

‘Rigorous planning process’

Mr Snowden has again invited the Energy Secretary to visit the Fylde Coast before making a final decision, or at the very least meet with him and representatives from Lancashire County Council, Fylde Borough Council and Wyre Borough Council in Westminster.

While the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero says it cannot comment on live planning application, it has given an assurance it is listening to public opinion.

A spokesperson said: “All projects are subject to a rigorous planning process and the views of the local community must be taken into account.”