Decision details

DONG Energy has submitted an application for a Development Consent Order to the Planning Inspectorate to build and operate an extension to the Walney Offshore Wind Farm.  The proposed extension, located 17km off the Cumbrian coast, will have a capacity of up to 750 megawatts (MW).  The proposed extension at its nearest point to the Lancashire Coast would be at a distance of about 35km. The proposed extension will be to the North West of the Walney 1 and 2 wind farms – these together with the West of Duddon Sands wind farm would largely screen the proposed extension.  The proposed extension will be connected to the National Grid via underground cables coming ashore at Middleton and to a new substation located south east of Heysham adjacent to A683.  As a statutory consultee the County Council is invited to make representations on the proposal and to submit a Local Impact Report (LIR) setting out the likely effects of the proposal on the local area. 

County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, the Cabinet Member for Environment Planning and Cultural Services approved making representation to the National Infrastructure Directorate of the Planning Inspectorate stating that the County Council supports the proposal, taking account of the matters raised, and subject to the mitigation required, in the Local Impact Report.