'Ministers need to listen to us' - MP Andrew Snowden urges reconsideration of Fylde windfarm cabling route

Andrew Snowden MP has urged ministers to reconsider plans for a major offshore wind cabling corridor through the Fylde after the Government delayed a decision on the Morgan and Morecambe connection.

The Fylde MP said the delay until September meant there was still an opportunity to pursue an alternative route through Hillhouse, which he argues could reduce disruption while supporting regeneration.

“There’s a better route. Ministers just need to listen,” said Andrew Snowden MP.

“The Government has delayed its decision on the Morgan and Morecambe cabling corridor until September, so the fight is very much still on,” the MP added. “Last week I took our case directly to the Chair of Ofgem. We also visited the Peel Road substation to see the huge investment going into strengthening our local electricity network across the Fylde coast.

“I’ve never argued against upgrading our energy infrastructure. We need it. What I’m arguing against is ripping a huge cabling corridor through Fylde when Hillhouse offers a better option. Less disruption. Regeneration for the area. Potentially hundreds of millions saved.

“There is still time to get this right.”

The proposed project is an 11-year cable infrastructure scheme, including a 15.5-mile underground cable route which would come ashore near Starr Gate beach, close to Blackpool Airport, before crossing the Fylde countryside and connecting to a battery storage facility in Penwortham.

The plans have faced opposition from residents and MPs, with campaigners warning that the trenches required for the cables would be equivalent in width to “three motorways”.

The situation changed in January when Morgan Offshore Wind Limited withdrew from the Morgan and Morecambe windfarm project, saying it was “no longer economically viable”. The Morecambe element of the development is continuing, with developers saying the windfarm could generate 1,500MW of electricity – enough to power nearly two million homes each year.

Last week, Lancashire County Council, Fylde Council and Wyre Council jointly called for ministers to consider an alternative northern connection, following changes to the Morgan project.

An independent economic review commissioned by the councils found that an alternative route for Morgan and Morecambe could potentially save around £287m, rising to £520m if upgrades to accommodate the Mooir Vannin offshore wind project near the Isle of Man were included.

The review also suggested the alternative could help unlock the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone, supporting around 1,100 additional jobs and generating between £990m and £1.7bn in additional GVA between 2030 and 2040.

The councils have invited ministers to Lancashire to examine the proposed landing point and Hillhouse Enterprise Zone before decisions on the transmission infrastructure are finalised.