Suffolk: 140 Turbine Wind Farm Approved Off The Coast

24 May 2013, 12:07 | Updated: 24 May 2013, 12:37

140 new wind turbines are going to be built of the coast of Suffolk - they could power 500,000 homes.

After years of going through the planning process, today the Planning Inspectorate has told Heart the Galloper Wind Farm has been approved.

It'll be 27km (16 miles) off the coast of Lowestoft with the power being brought back on shore at Sizewell.

It's thought the turbines could power more than 500,000 homes when it's finished in 2017.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) said the scheme could generate around £18 million to £20 million of investment in Suffolk and create around 600 jobs across the country.

A spokesman for Decc said: "Galloper Wind Farm will provide large amounts of clean energy, support jobs and generate major investment in Suffolk.

"Offshore wind has an important role to play as a part of a balanced energy mix. This development will enhance our energy security and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.''

Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Executive, Sir Michael Pitt, said. “This is a significant application for the offshore wind energy sector and required a Panel of three Examining Inspectors who were given the task of considering the evidence put to them by the interested parties.”

“A major priority for us over the course of the examination was to ensure that communities who might be affected by this proposal had the opportunity to put forward their views.”

“The examination of the application was completed within the timescales prescribed in the Planning Act and a recommendation made to the Energy Secretary. Today’s decision by the Energy Secretary supports that recommendation.”