Fylde MP Andrew Snowden used a question at Prime Minister’s Questions to ask Keir Starmer about the planning application for a cable corridor between the Morgan and Morecambe windfarm and two substations between Kirkham and Newton.
The proposals are currently being reviewed by the Planning Inspectorate, who will make a recommendation to government on whether or not the plans can proceed. Andrew told the PM that the corridor plans are the most “objected to national energy infrastructure projects in the country”.
If permission is granted, 20 miles of Lancashire countryside would be torn up to lay cabling between the windfarm in the Irish Sea and the two substations in Fylde. This includes acres of greenbelt land, including farmland, residential areas and beauty spots. Residents have
Andrew also told Sir Keir that without public support he would be unable to meet his government’s net zero targets. 720 residents signed Andrew’s petition opposing the proposed cabling route, while multiple community organisations have demonstrated their objections in protests and campaigns.
Andrew said:
“Whether or not people agree with the Prime Minister’s net zero targets, he must agree that he will not achieve those targets without taking people with him.
“The cable corridor and substation for the Morgan and Morecambe offshore wind farm is one of the most objected to national energy infrastructure projects in the country. What is angering me and thousands of others is that there is a perfect alternative cabling route further up the coast that would bring local economic benefit, would be more cost-effective as a whole lifecycle project and could connect to existing national grid infrastructure, but no one is listening.
“Will the Prime Minister now listen, pause the planning inquiry for the existing application and ask the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to consider and cost the alternative route to avoid untold devastation to our coastline and countryside?”
The PM replied:
“As the hon. Gentleman will know, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero is going through a quasi-judicial exercise, and I am therefore limited in what I can say. Let me do the best I can within those constraints.
“The project is going through its examination, where interested parties can and should put forward their views on the application. More broadly, as we drive forward renewable projects, the planning process is designed to ensure that impacts are carefully considered.”
