Fylde residents will have further opportunities to shape plans for the East Irish Sea Transmission Project after Ørsted confirmed its preferred cable route through the eastern side of the borough following community engagement sessions earlier this year.
The energy company has selected a northern route making landfall at Fleetwood, which would bring underground electricity cables through parts of Fylde to connect renewable energy from the Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm to the national grid at Penwortham. This decision follows September’s public information events where over 550 local residents shared their views on the proposals.
In response to community feedback, Ørsted has removed plans for an onshore booster station, opting instead for offshore infrastructure. The underground cables will remain buried throughout their route, with the possible exception of crossing the River Ribble where technical constraints may require overhead lines.
Councillor Richard Redcliffe, Lead Member for Planning, said: “We fully understand residents will have legitimate concerns about very large infrastructure projects in our area. We will continue to work closely with neighbouring authorities, local communities and the developers, as we have done on the Morgan & Morecambe projects, to give our professional and technical advice as part of the consultation and planning process, and will ensure local voices remain at the heart of these critical discussions and decisions ultimately taken by central government”
The next phase includes establishing local consultation groups focused on the onshore substation and River Ribble crossing, giving community representatives direct input into evolving plans. A formal Statement of Community Consultation will outline how residents can continue participating, with statutory consultation events planned for autumn 2026 where detailed proposals and environmental assessments will be presented.
The Development Consent Order application is expected in late 2027, providing multiple opportunities for residents to influence this significant infrastructure project. Full project details are available here.
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