Deadline for decision on huge 11-year Fylde coast infrastructure project extended to September by government

The statutory deadline for the application for a massive 11-year infrastructure project on the Fylde coast has been reset.

The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband has decided to re-set the statutory deadline for the application, which involved plans to run gigantic cables from 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 statement, from Lord Whitehead, Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, read as follows: “This Statement concerns an application for development consent made under the Planning Act 2008 by Morgan Offshore Wind Limited and Morecambe Offshore Windfarm Limited for the Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Wind Farms Transmission Assets in the East Irish Sea off the coast of North West England, including onshore connection to the electricity transmission network.

“Under section 107(1) of the Planning Act 2008, the Secretary of State must make a decision on an application within four months of the receipt of the Examining Authority’s report unless exercising the power under section 107(3) of the Act to set a new deadline. Where a new deadline is set, the Secretary of State must make a Statement to Parliament to announce it.

“The statutory deadline for the decision on the Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Wind Farms Transmission Assets was 14 May 2026. I have decided to allow an extension and to set a new deadline of 14 September 2026. This is to allow time to request further information.

“The decision to set the new deadline for this application is without prejudice to the decision on whether to grant or refuse development consent.”

D-Day for Fylde Says No!

Today marked something of a D-Day for residents opposing the prospect of a major windfarm development running gigantic cables through the Fylde coast, with the decision on the massive project delayed amid local concerns.

The plans have proved highly controversial 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.

Local politicians and residents have expressed fear that it would devastate the Fylde countryside, while Britain’s Ministry of Defence also opposed the plans on the grounds that the proposed turbine array would interfere with aviation radar systems at BAE’s Warton base.

The Fylde Says No! group has claimed the plans will mean “11 years of living on a building site”.

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.”

Protestors today gathered at St Annes Town Hall to make their voices heard, having previously cited risks including wildlife disruption, destruction of green belt land and dunes, long noisy construction, road closures and negative effects on tourism, recreation, and local businesses at other protests in St Annes, Warton and other parts of Fylde.

There has also been concern that the plans will displace birds and risk bird strikes in the airspace of BAE Systems.

One group member said: “In a nutshell, it’s going to ruin your community for generations to come.”