THE MS for Aberconwy has called for further consultation on proposals to extend North Wales’ offshore windfarm.

Plans to build Awel y Môr Offshore Windfarm about 10.5km off the coast to the west of the existing Gwynt y Môr Offshore Windfarm are due to be submitted by RWE next year.

The new collection of wind turbines, expected to be between 51 and 107 depending on their size, would cover an area of 106km2 from Colwyn Bay to Conwy.

The German energy developer said its on online consultation received 142 responses, a majority of which supported the plans and 89 per cent said the proposal is “important” or “very important” in meeting Wales’ green energy goals.

RWE has selected the preferred siting of the transmission infrastructure with onshore cables joining the coastland between Rhyl and Prestatyn, passing through Rhuddlan to a substation in Bodelwyddan.

It expects to submit its application to the UK Government's Planning Inspectorate in 2022.

Janet Finch-Saunders MS, shadow minister for environment, energy and rural affairs, said there are many residents who were not aware of the consultation and that further work should be carried out before the plans are submitted in 2022.

“I support unleashing the potential of this industry, and especially innovations such as floating offshore wind, but developers must not forget that the Green Industrial Revolution aims to transform life across our United Kingdom for the better.

“Therefore, as I have informed the Awel y Môr team directly, there needs to be a greater consultation to understand public opinion.

“I was advised in a virtual meeting that there were 65 feedback forms and 73 emails in response to the consultation, and as such offered to hold a virtual public meeting to try and boost engagement. At best, I take the figures to indicate that only around 12 per cent of the around 1,100 individuals who visited the online consultation gave feedback. Therefore, to refer to ‘overwhelming support’ could be disingenuous and premature at this stage.

“I reiterate my offer to host a virtual meeting with RWE to boost public engagement in this major development.”

Readers took to the Pioneer Facebook page to share their opinion on the proposals, with a majority showing support for the environmental benefits.

Davad Jones said: “Never mind Nuclear, coal, oil or gas, get rid. We are an island that should concentrate on wind, wave, solar and do our part to save the environment for our grandkids and great grandkids.”

Agnes Jones said: “Great news we need to help the planet for future generations. No discussions needed just get on with it.”

Gwydion Gruffudd said: “Fantastic news!”

David Perceval said: “Brilliant. I love sitting there in me car trying to count them all.”

Richard Williams said: “Bring it on, sign of the changing time for the good of the planet.”

Liz Sumners said: “Surely it’s a no brainer.”

Jonathan Williams said: “Get it built!”

Other readers said the project has potential to boost the local economy.

Michael Williams said: “Local government should stipulate 75 percent local labour on this project or are they [going to] let the money go to the English and Scottish workforce.”

Sue Jeffrey said: “I'm all for it! We seriously need to help this planet.”

Danny Whitnall said: “[I] hope the pre-assembly stage is in a Welsh port.”

The proposals can be viewed at www.exhibition.awelymor.cymru