Offshore windfarm with 96 turbines wins approval

The Morgan Offshore Wind Project will see 96 turbines built more than 20 miles off the Lancashire coast

Plans for a windfarm off the Lancashire coast have been given planning permission by the government.

The Morgan Offshore Wind Project will see 96 turbines built more than 20 miles (32km) off the Fylde coast which developers said will produce 1500MW - enough electricity to power nearly two million homes every year.

Challenges to the Secretary of State's decision can be made to the High Court within six weeks to determine if there are grounds for a judicial review.

Plans for the onshore connection to the national grid from Starr Gate through the Fylde which a county councillor warned could force businesses to close and damage tourism - are still under consideration.

Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for rural affairs, environment and communities at Lancashire County Council, said infrastructure around cables along the Fylde coast could close key road connections into the area.

"There are only three routes into Fylde and to shut all those down for this wind farm is just disastrous for the people of Fylde," Roberts said.

Morgan and Morecambe said: "We remain fully committed to minimising these effects, and it is absolutely right that concerns are considered thoroughly and independently by the examining authority as part of the ongoing examination."