If built, the 300MW Humber Gateway Offshore Wind Farm - which would generate enough clean, green electricity to power up to 195,000 homes - will be one of the largest offshore wind farms in UK waters. 

The application is the first for an offshore wind farm since Business Secretary John Hutton's call for more than 33GW of offshore wind to be installed by 2020.

Dr Paul Golby, Chief Executive of E.ON UK, said: "The next generation of large-scale offshore wind farms like Humber Gateway have a vital role to play in the UK's future energy mix. 

"This scheme will displace the emission of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide every year and will make a significant contribution to helping the Government meet its tough renewable energy targets.

"As part of our multi-billion pound investment strategy, not only will it make a major contribution to the fight against climate change, it will help ensure a secure, reliable and clean supply of electricity for families and businesses in the UK."

E.ON is submitting the planning application despite recent objections by the Ministry of Defence to the wind farm.  The MoD did not raise an objection when it was initially consulted about the project in 2004.

"We're speaking to both the MoD and BERR and we're confident that we can find a way forward that is acceptable to all stakeholders," said Dr Golby.