Developers have launched a statutory consultation on the transmission elements of the proposed Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Wind Farms, inviting residents and members of the public to have their say in shaping how the project progresses.
From 12 October through to 23 November 2023, the public will be able to feedback on the plans for the cabling and connection infrastructure that the new windfarms will require, including the location of the assets, and to examine the proposals for minimising potential disruption and environmental effects.
The developer’s project team will be hosting a series of drop-in consultation events, pop up events, and an online webinar throughout this period to provide further details and answer questions on the project.
The Morgan Offshore Wind Project and the Morecambe Offshore Windfarm are two new offshore windfarms being developed in the Irish Sea, which together have the potential to generate almost 2GW of electricity – enough to power almost two million homes. To transform the electricity generated and connect it to the National Grid substation at Penwortham near Preston, two new substations and an onshore cabling corridor – collectively referred to as the project’s Transmission Assets – will need to be built in the Fylde area.
The purpose of the consultation is to allow prescribed representatives and local communities to influence the proposed location of the Transmission Assets, and to examine and discuss the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR). The PEIR contains early findings of the environmental impact assessment, details of how the conclusions have been reached, and measures to prevent, reduce or offset any potential environmental effects.
Cllr Tommy Threlfall, Lead Member for the Environment at Fylde Council, said: “Fylde Council will be actively consulting with the project developers in our capacity as a local authority, and I would encourage our residents to ensure their voices are heard by attending the consultation events, familiarising themselves with the details, and giving their informed opinion.”
For more information about the Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Wind Farms: Transmission Assets project, including the Statement of Community Consultation and details of when the consultation events will be taking place, visit the project website: https://morecambeandmorgan.com/transmission/
Addition:
Fylde Council has responded to the consultation, raising concern about several aspects of the proposal. A copy of Fylde Council’s response is available here.
As the development is considered to be a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) the decision as to whether the project can go ahead will be made by the relevant Secretary of State rather than Fylde Council. More information about the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime, and how you can get involved if you feel the project will affect you, is available on the Planning Inspectorate’s website at: The process | National Infrastructure Planning (planninginspectorate.gov.uk)
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