A major battle over the controversial Morgan and Morecambe offshore wind farm cable route has entered a crucial new stage – with Fylde Council making one final push to persuade the Government to think again.
The Council has today (Tuesday 30th June) said that fresh representations have been submitted to the Secretary of State after examining the latest documents connected with the proposed Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Wind Farms Transmission Assets project.
Despite months of discussions, Fylde Council says developers have “failed to meaningfully engage” with the authority throughout the planning process. It also claims the recent withdrawal of one of the project partners, Morgan Offshore Wind Limited, has raised fresh questions over how the scheme would actually be delivered and monitored if it is approved.
While councillors acknowledge that some issues have been addressed, they argue that major concerns remain unanswered. They say the developers have still not provided convincing explanations about how the project will proceed or justified the impact it could have on local communities and the surrounding environment.
Alternative Route ‘Could Save Hundreds of Millions’
A key part of the Council’s latest submission is a new independent economic review commissioned jointly by Fylde, Wyre and Lancashire councils.
The report concludes that the currently proposed onshore cable route could cost up to £520 million more than an alternative route through Rossall and Hillhouse.
According to the review, the northern alternative could also deliver around 1,100 extra jobs and generate between £990 million and £1.7 billion in additional economic value for the UK.
Importantly, the report says there are “no insurmountable environmental or ecological challenges” preventing the alternative route from being delivered.
September Decision Looms
All submissions from councils and other interested parties have now been published by the Secretary of State ahead of a decision expected on 14 September.
Fylde Council Leader Councillor Karen Buckley said it was essential ministers had all the available evidence before making what could be a landmark decision.
She said: “With a decision now anticipated in September, it is vital that the Secretary of State has the full picture before reaching any conclusions. The economic evidence is compelling, the concerns around delivery and enforcement remain unresolved, and the communities most affected by this development deserve to know that every option has been properly considered. We will continue to make the case as strongly as we can in the time that remains.”
The Government’s decision in September will determine whether the controversial transmission project can move forward in its current form, ending months of campaigning and debate across the Fylde coast.
