The development consent for the Able Marine Energy Park at North Killingholme was given by the transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, to support the North Sea’s offshore wind industry.
The Able Marine Energy Park (AMEP) is part of a larger scheme, covering 2,135 acres (864 ha) with a river frontage of two and a half miles (4 km).
According to the developer, its marine energy park at North Killingholme would create 4,000 local jobs.
Construction works are expected to start in early 2014 with the 1,289m quay scheduled to be available from late 2016.
Able’s founder and executive chairman, Peter Stephenson, described the approval of the scheme "as massively important for the region and the whole of the UK economy" and said he hopes the quay would be up and running by 2016, providing there are no further delays.
“The Humber is ideally placed in close proximity to the world’s largest proposed offshore wind farms and, coupled with the scale of the site, the inherent strengths of local people and local businesses, we have the very best package to offer the emerging offshore wind sector,” Mr Stephenson said.
Mr Stephenson said: “The real work starts now although the land assembly and development process has been under way for some 14 years – investment to date has already been significant and the planning application alone has cost almost £10m. Port developments like this are not for the faint-hearted and it has been a long six year haul for all those involved.”
According to Able, it has developed a £60m package to protect wildlife and the environment as a response to the objections of the environmental groups to the project due to its expected negative impact on local bird populations.
A representative of the Department for Transport (DfT) stated that Able had proved that the project’s impact on the new habitat for birds and on existing infrastructure would be minimal.
He added: “The next stage is for Parliament to consider whether to confirm compulsory purchase powers over land owned by various businesses including Network Rail and Associated British Ports.”
Photo: BBC