White Cross Wind Farm
I continue to work hard on the issues around the development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. I have today led the final backbench debate of this parliament on floating offshore wind, some of the issues linked to other projects and specifically those related to White Cross.
The decision about whether this project proceeds remains entirely at this point in time with the Marine Management Organisation and North Devon District Council’s planning department. I have no influence over this decision.
The White Cross team have made further local presentations about the project, and I recognise there are many within the local community who still believe the damage to our local economy and environment from the cable route outweigh the need to develop floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
I have spent much time in what I did not know was to be the final week of this parliament working on floating offshore wind and have met with the Crown Estate as well as other developers and investors in the region. I have consistently ensured that the views of North Devon have been heard, and I feel strongly there is still much to do for this cable corridor to be the optimal solution to developing this particular site in the Celtic Sea.
I attach a summary of FAQs provided by the White Cross team which I hope will at least answer some of the most commonly asked questions. My speech in Westminster this week is also available online https://www.selainesaxby.org.uk/flow-westminster-hall-debate-23rd-may-2024 if you wish to see the fuller context of the White Cross initiative within this huge strategic, renewable energy development in the Celtic Sea which I have been instrumental in driving forward.
