The 315MW offshore wind farm (Sheringham Shoal) is planned off the coast of Norfolk. The development by Scira Offshore Energy will comprise of up to 108 turbines, enough to power the equivalent of around 178,000 homes.

John Hutton said:

"Sheringham Shoal will be the UK's fourth largest offshore wind farm approved to date and will help provide a significant contribution towards our renewable energy targets.

"Companies want to build here because we have made the UK one of the most attractive places to invest in wind power. By the end of 2009 a further 626MW of offshore wind power will be plugged in to the grid, making us world leaders." 

The Secretary of State has also granted consent to a 75MW onshore wind farm planned at Middlemoor near Alnwick in Northumberland. The development by Npower Renewables will comprise of 18 turbines.

Both approvals for Middlemoor and Sheringham Shoal wind farms are conditional. Technical solutions to mitigate the effects to the Air Defence Radar at RAF Brizlee Wood and Trimmingham respectively must be found within the five year period of the consent.