Fylde Says No! group vow to fight on as Ed Miliband delays decision on windfarm cable plan for Fylde coast

A group campaigning vehemently against plans for a infrastructure project they fear would severely damage the Fylde countryside have pledged to right on through the summer after the Government paused its decision over whether it should go ahead.

The Fylde Says No! group of residents said is encouraged by Secretary of State of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband’s decision to re-set the statutory deadline for the application - which was due today - to September 14, 2026.

The plans have proved highly controversial because of an associated 15.5 mile underground cable route which would come ashore close to Blackpool Airport, before running through the Fylde countryside and into an existing National Grid substation in Penwortham.

Fylde Says No!, who were out at Fylde Town Hall at St Annes today making their feelings on the plans clear, claim approval would mean “11 years of living on a building site” and say they are encouraged by today’s announcement while pledging the campaign goes on.

“Fylde Says No! are encouraged to hear the news today that the Secretary of State has been unable to make a decision about the application from a group of overseas companies to install 32 kilometres of high-voltage transmission cables via a 122 metre wide trench along the Fylde Coast,” said group spokesperson Ros Forsey.

“We are also encouraged by the possibility that the this pause until September 14 suggests that Mr Miliband is considering the recommendations from local residents, campaigners and councils for a cheaper, safer alternative route.

“The current application is for several gigantic cables to come ashore at Starr Gate Beach before crashing through the sand dunes and St Anne’s Nature Reserve to connect Morecambe Wind farm to the National Grid at Penwortham and we are particularly concerned by the continued resistance to this 11-year project from BAE Warton.

“Representatives there have repeatedly stated that the substantially increased risk of bird strikes on the high velocity jets being tested at Warton Aerodrome cannot be mitigated but we don’t need to be aviation experts to know that such an occurrence would cause a serious, major incident, involving widespread destruction and loss of life.

“The unpopular and unwelcome project, if approved, will also include the construction of two massive substations at Freckleton, which, according to resident Dave Barlow would ruin the lives of the people in the village, destroy local tourism, decimate green belt land and bankrupt local businesses.

“That includes third generation family farms and the local Wrea Green Equestrian Centre used by large numbers of disabled children.

“Campaigners will continue to fight over the summer to prevent this project from going ahead and to work with our local councils and elected representatives to explore the option of the proposed and well researched alternative route. “

Steve Smith, Fylde Council’s service director for planning and building control, said of the Secretary of State’s announcement: “Fylde Council notes that the decision has been extended and we will continue to represent our community positively in these engagements where asked.”