Plans for the sea under the spotlight

The Government is introducing a planning system for the sea in a similar way to the one on land and wants views from locals.

As well as being a busy shipping area, Yorkshire’s East Coast is dredged for aggregates, used for gas storage and extensively fished.

In future, it will be home to many hundreds of offshore wind turbines, increasing the number of potentially competing interests.

The plans, which will cover an area from Flamborough Head to Felixstowe, will dictate the best route for a pipeline or where turbines should be sited.

They will take into account leisure activities like sailing and diving, as well as the need to conserve and protect marine species and habitats.

There is a session in Hull today from 1am to 3pm at The Deep aquarium and this evening from 5pm to 8pm at Hornsea Town Hall.

Tomorrow there is a session at The Spa Bridlington, from 11am to 3pm.

There will be MMO planners on hand and large-scale maps of the area showing potential uses.