Dogger Bank Creyke Beck offshore wind farm plans move closer

Plans for one of the world's largest offshore wind farms have moved a step forward.

About 600 wind turbines are proposed for the site at Dogger Bank, located 77 miles (125km) off the East Yorkshire coast.

The government has accepted developer Forewind's planning application, which means interested parties can register their views about the plans.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles will have the final say over whether the scheme can go ahead.

Dogger Bank Creyke Beck would comprise two offshore wind farms each generating up to 1.2 gigawatts of electricity, which would connect to the national grid in East Yorkshire.

The world's largest operational offshore wind farm is currently the London Array, which opened in July and comprises 175 wind turbines.

Sir Michael Pitt of the government's Planning Inspectorate said: “After careful consideration we have decided on behalf of the Secretary of State that the application submitted by Forewind met the required tests set out in the legislation to be accepted for examination.”

Forewind general manager Dr Lee Clarke said the company had carried out the “most extensive offshore survey programme ever undertaken in the UK” as part of its application.

Once members of the public have registered as interested parties and given their views, the inspectorate will examine the application, which can take up to six months, before reporting back to the communities secretary.