'As stunned as I am angry' Underground windfarm cabling plan for Lancashire given go-ahead despite opposition

A windfarm cabling corridor plan which runs through Penwortham and Freckleton has been given the go-ahead by the Secretary of State, much to the horror of campaigners.

The controversial Morgan and Morecambe windfarm plans will see major underground cabling run from the Fylde coastline, through St Annes and rural Fylde toward Penwortham - it includes two substations in Freckleton and a battery storage unit in Penwortham, despite widespread opposition from residents, campaign groups, parish councils and local authorities

Independent work commissioned by Lancashire County Council, Fylde Borough Council and Wyre Borough Council found the alternative could save up to £520 million, significantly reduce the amount of underground cabling required and support around 1,100 jobs.

The decision also comes after the circumstances surrounding the Morgan wind farm changed significantly, with its original developers withdrawing from the project.

Fylde Council acknowledged today’s decision by the Secretary of State to grant permission for the Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Wind Farms Transmission Assets.

A release stated the decision comprises the Examining Authority’s report, the Secretary of State’s decision letter, and the Development Consent Order with conditions. This is a substantial volume of material, and the council will need time to examine it fully.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “We are deeply disappointed by today’s decision. It will come as a blow to the many residents, community groups and parish councils who have opposed this cabling corridor from the outset and who have worked tirelessly to defend Fylde’s countryside.

“Fylde Council has consistently raised legitimate concerns throughout the examination process, and we share the frustration and dismay felt across our communities.

“Officers will now undertake a detailed review of the decision and all supporting documents. We have already instructed Counsel and will be taking legal advice on the implications of the decision and the options available to us.”

Fylde MP Andrew Snowden has slammed the Government’s decision. Andrew has repeatedly urged Ministers to reject the current route and properly consider the Northern Option via Rossall and the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone.

Andrew Snowden MP said: “I am as stunned as I am angry that the Government has approved these plans. They say they have reviewed and considered the evidence. Are they blind? One of the two wind farm projects has lost its original developers. There is a more appropriate alternative route which could save hundreds of millions of pounds. This is one of the most heavily objected-to infrastructure projects in the country, and the current plans will cause huge and unnecessary disruption to our coastline, countryside and communities. So what exactly have Ministers considered?

“We have spent months putting the evidence in front of them. I have written repeatedly to Ministers and the Prime Minister, our councils have commissioned independent work and residents and campaigners have made their voices heard loud and clear. Yet the Government has chosen to railroad these plans through anyway. This is a shocking decision. I will now be working with Fylde Council, the residents group and others involved in the campaign to carefully consider the decision and what steps we can take next. I will continue fighting for our communities, countryside and coastline.”

The objections:

Earlier this year, Fylde says no! campaigners said: “The current application is for several gigantic cables to come ashore at Starr Gate Beach before crashing through the sand dunes and St Anne’s Nature Reserve to connect Morecambe Wind farm to the National Grid at Penwortham and we are particularly concerned by the continued resistance to this 11-year project from BAE Warton.

“Representatives there have repeatedly stated that the substantially increased risk of bird strikes on the high velocity jets being tested at Warton Aerodrome cannot be mitigated but we don’t need to be aviation experts to know that such an occurrence would cause a serious, major incident, involving widespread destruction and loss of life.

“The unpopular and unwelcome project, if approved, will also include the construction of two massive substations at Freckleton, which, according to resident Dave Barlow would ruin the lives of the people in the village, destroy local tourism, decimate green belt land and bankrupt local businesses. That includes third generation family farms and the local Wrea Green Equestrian Centre used by large numbers of disabled children.”