After four years of planning Danish energy group, DONG Energy has been given the go-ahead to expand the Burbo Bank offshore wind farm located in Liverpool Bay.

The Burbo Flats wind farm, at the delta of the River Mersey, will see expansions that will cover an area of 9,900 acres and will generate up to 250MW, or enough energy to meet the average requirements of 170,000 houses.

Following an investigate, the Department of energy and Climate Change approved the 69 turbine scheme, located approximately four miles from the Sefton coastline and 4.5 miles from north Wirral, supporting the recommendations of the Planning Inspectorate.

Simon Ridley, chief executive of the Planning Inspectorate, said:

“This is a significant application for the offshore wind energy sector. The Examining Authority took full account of views from communities, particularly in the north west of England, who might be affected by this proposal alongside national policy and evidence of the need for the project.

“The Planning Inspectorate is fulfilling its responsibilities by undertaking thorough, impartial examinations and ensuring full community consultation within statutory deadlines.

“The certainty of knowing when a decision will be made following full consideration of public views provides developers and investors with the confidence needed to plan the infrastructure improvements this country needs to secure future economic growth.”

Energy Secretary Ed Davey confirmed in a letter to DONG Energy that there was a “compelling case” for the approval of their application, especially considering the added contribution that this expansion would make to the production of renewable energy in the UK.

In his letter, he stated:

“The potential adverse local impacts of the development do not outweigh the benefits of the scheme.”

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Words: Peter Cribley