Wyre Council has joined with Fylde Council and Lancashire County Council in formally writing to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Together, we have requested that any decision on offshore wind transmission assets affecting the Fylde Coast be paused to allow consideration of significant new evidence.
This follows further representations submitted by Fylde Council to the Secretary of State as part of the Development Consent Order (DCO) process.
The request follows the completion of an initial Green Book‑compliant economic review, alongside a material change in circumstances arising from Morgan Offshore Wind Limited’s withdrawal from its Crown Estate Agreement for Lease.
The review concludes that the currently proposed onshore transmission route could be up to £520 million more expensive than an alternative northern route, making landfall at Rossall and terminating at Hillhouse Technology & Energy Enterprise Zone, adjacent to the existing Stanah substation.
Wyre Council says the findings reinforce long‑standing concerns about the impact of lengthy underground cable routes through local communities, farmland and sensitive environments, while also highlighting a missed opportunity to unlock major economic benefits in Wyre.
The economic review identifies that the alternative northern route could deliver:
- Up to £520 million in national infrastructure cost savings
- Around 1,100 additional jobs enabled at Hillhouse Technology & Energy Enterprise Zone
- Between £990 million and £1.7 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) between 2030 and 2040
- A potential 8.6% increase in the Wyre economy
- Shorter cable routes, significantly reducing construction disruption and risk
Importantly, the review concludes that there are “no insurmountable environmental or ecological challenges” associated with the alternative route, with potential impacts considered capable of being managed through established mitigation techniques.
Councillor Michael Vincent, Leader of Wyre Council said:
“This new evidence clearly shows there is a better option available, pausing the current decision would allow Government to properly consider a solution that reduces costs to bill payers, minimises disruption to our communities and unlocks high‑quality jobs and investment in Wyre.”
Wyre Council has consistently argued that upgrading infrastructure at Stanah, alongside the development of a new substation at Hillhouse Technology & Energy Enterprise Zone, offers a more strategic and sustainable approach than routing power south via long stretches of underground cabling to Penwortham.
“This is a hugely important infrastructure decision,”
Councillor Vincent added.
“If we get it right, Wyre can play a central role in delivering clean energy while sharing in the economic benefits. If we get it wrong, communities bear the disruption without seeing the rewards.”
Wyre Council has asked the Secretary of State to pause any decision on transmission assets to allow further investigation of the alternative northern route and its national economic benefits.
The council will continue working with partners, MPs and residents to ensure offshore wind infrastructure delivers secure, affordable clean energy while protecting local communities and supporting long‑term economic growth in Wyre.