'We listen to local views' says Government amid community backlash to plans for Fylde coast windfarm
“The views of the local community must be taken into account”
The Government has given an assurance that it is listening to local opinion as the decision over a windfarm development which could change the face of Fylde is eagerly awaited.
A spokesperson for the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: “Every wind turbine we put up helps protect families from future energy shocks.
“All projects are subject to a rigorous planning process and the views of the local community must be taken into account.”
But the spokesperson added that it is “unable to comment on live planning applications”.
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The assurance comes after Wyre Council joined with Fylde Council and Lancashire County Council in formally writing to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, requesting that any decision on the offshore wind transmission assets affecting the Fylde coast be paused to allow consideration of significant new evidence.
Council bosses have penned a letter to the Government urging them to pause any future decision over Offshore Wind projects affecting the Fylde coast.
The request follows the completion of an initial Green Book‑compliant economic review, alongside a material change in circumstances arising from Morgan Offshore Wind Limited’s withdrawal from its Crown Estate Agreement for Lease.
The three councils say the request is the only way they will have time to allow consideration of significant new evidence.
It follows further representations submitted by Fylde Council to the Secretary of State as part of the Development Consent Order (DCO) process.
An economic review concluded that the currently proposed onshore transmission route could be up to £520m more expensive than an alternative northern route, making landfall at Rossall and terminating at Hillhouse Technology and Energy Enterprise Zone, adjacent to the existing Stanah substation.
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The decision over whether or not the highly controversial Morecambe windfarm plan will go ahead is now expected on May 14 after being put back from the original expected announcement date of later this month because of local elections around the country.
If the plans are approved, power from scores of scores of turbines, more than 20 miles offshore, would travel underground across Fylde to substations at Penwortham, with local politicians and residents having expressed fears the work would devastate the local countryside.