Save £520 MILLION and create 1,100 jobs?
Fylde Council wants Government to think again before making its final decision.
Fylde Council is making one last push to persuade the Government to rethink controversial plans for the Morgan and Morecambe offshore wind farm cables – claiming there’s a better, cheaper alternative.
The council has officially submitted fresh comments to the Secretary of State as part of the Development Consent Order (DCO) process, urging ministers not to rubber-stamp the current transmission route before considering another option.
Fylde says an alternative northern connection could slash costs by up to £520 million, while also unlocking major investment across Lancashire.
The authority has backed a joint campaign with Wyre Council and Lancashire County Council, which has already seen the three councils write to the Government calling for the plans to be reconsidered.
Their case has gathered momentum following EnBW’s withdrawal from the Morgan offshore wind project. The councils say independent economic research shows the alternative route could help unlock the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone, create around 1,100 extra jobs, and generate between £990 million and £1.7 billion for the regional economy.
Fylde Council says ministers must consider this evidence before making what it describes as a once-in-a-generation infrastructure decision.
Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “We’ve consistently said that decisions of this scale must be based on the fullest possible evidence. We’re urging the Government to look seriously at the alternative connection before it’s too late to change course.”
Wyre Council Leader Councillor Michael Vincent added: “This is a once-in-a-generation infrastructure decision. We owe it to our residents, businesses and future generations to make sure the right solution is chosen. We want the Government to give full consideration to the alternative northern connection before the current plans are locked in.”
