THE world’s second-largest offshore wind farm has been given the go-ahead to be built off the coast of Wirral and North Wales.

Gwynt-y-Mor offshore wind farm, combined with three other nearby wind farms off the North Wales coast, will provide enough clean, green electricity to power the equivalent of 680,000 homes.

However, the plans have met with a mixed response in west Wirral, with concerns for the views across the Irish Sea and fears that dependence on wind power is a questionable strategy.

The 750mw development by Npower Renewables Ltd will consist of up to 250 turbines and lie some eight miles off the coast.

Hoylake councillor Gerry Ellis said it seemed a “reasonable step forward”.

He said: “It’s a long way off our shores and I don’t think it will have a great effect on Wirral, and if it produces more energy then good luck to them.”

But West Kirby councillor David Elderton said: “I am concerned that yet another tranche of approved wind farms will be expensive to build and maintain and will not be cost- effective in providing power.

“We have also lobbied in the past about our concerns over the visibility. If people believed they would be reliable, people would be more welcoming to them.”

It is anticipated that offshore construction works could begin in 2011 with final commissioning of the wind farm in 2014.

"mixed response"?!?!?! WTF?!?!?!

How would they feel about a Powerstation being built there - either that or they could try living without power...

Im sorry, but if we want things like greener fuels then there are some sacrifices needed.

and they're really not that offensive - I can see the New Brighton ones from my son's bedroom window and they're quit hypnotic when they're all turning.

I've watched the 4 new ones erected on the dockside in Liverpool from mine and I have to say - I love them! I think they are beautiful, and once they are going, as AR_One said - they are very hypnotic!

They don't create fumes or horrible smells, they don't make noise and there is no increase in heavy goods traffic so I can't see what the problem is with them.

Nuclear power is still the way forward, no matter how much the government tries to keep the tree huggers happy.

Besides which, although it's still not a "clean" source of energy, and never will be, new reactors are around 95% cleaner than the likes of Selafield etc...

Very true Matty, but just imagine how residents would react to a Nuclear Powerstation spoiling their view.

Fact - we all use energy - even the tree huggers, and the wind farms are probably the best compromise to keep everyone happy - yet people still complain....

I don't mind them, I don't actually think they're that much of an eyesore in small numbers.
The energy companies get relief from the government for putting these up, and while they're only really cost efficient after many years of use, I'd rather get rid of fossil fuel and switch to nuclear.

The thing I object to is councils just going yesyesyesyes just because the energy companies wave a big load of money in front of them. Same with mobile phone masts. I know they're vital, but the same with the money and the poor areas. etc

I hate the incorrect information given out about them, they are not cost effective, they are not green effective.

Total waste of money that could be better much spent on other solutions.

The lies about their visual impact doesn't help get any favour.

NUCLEAR POWER ALL THE WAY.

Who gives a flying fook if they don't look appealing, so put them in a desolate part of the country where no fooker lives. Wind power will NEVER generate enough power to be reliable, and will NEVER be cost effective. Its only being done to please the tree-huggers, but they forget that 99% of people see the hurrendous bills before they see the tree's...

I agree they do the wind farms because it "looks" like they are doing something.

I don't agree with Nuclear - it can never be safe enough, have you ever seen a company that doesn't have individuals cutting corners or covering their backs (ie lying), there is no way to guarantee safety.

The answer is in the tide - regular as clockwork - only short lulls where hydro can fill in the gaps. The big undersea propellors (think of an upside down wind farm) is the best answer I have seen (sometimes called tidal turbines), very little environmental impact, water being hugely more dense than air gives more power compared to wind farm (commonly quoted as four times the power for same size blades).

Or.... Have the turbine raise above water at low tide for wind power then when the tide is due in bang! underwater again. Problem solved eyesores are no more.. But to be honest i couldnt care less at the end of the day this world is going to USE all its natural resources then what happens.. We move on like those locusts in independence day and conjur up another world then move on. I recon thats what happened to our other planet we used to live on Mars.. We used all its resources then we moved here but to keep everyone at bay invented some relgion thing and reset our minds to find energy again..

*im going mad but what the hell*

I have yet to see a "clean" and reliable source of energy that can exceed our energy needs for years to come.

The closest to that, is Nuclear. Fook all these ugly and expensive monstrosities, just go Nuclear. When people's bills are soaring and the country is running short of electric, it pisses me right off that the only thing the government is worried about, is the fooking tree huggers needs.

Why are we Making more wind farms, isnt Britain Windy enough. lol.

on a more serious note, wasnt it reported that they produce silent noise, whatever that is, can cause headaches etc.

Nuclear power is the way foward, aslong as it far away from my house and family.

Silent Noise isnt that brown noise where it is susposed to make you crap your pants?? That got busted on mythbusters if it is that LOL

I can see new brightons from my bedroom in tranmere



I think they look great