Redevelopment of old Humber wharf could help drive for windpower jobs

Associated British Ports has chosen a disused quay on the River Humber as the best site to manufacture giant turbines for offshore wind farms.

The site, intended to be a container terminal known as Quay 2005, would be piled and filled in to create new land to store and load the giant components.

The finished turbines would then be reloaded onto installation ships from the new riverside berth as they are too wide to get through the lockgates into the enclosed dock.

A manufacturing facility would be created within Alexandra Dock.

The Yorkshire Post has launched a campaign to create a manufacturing hub for wind turbines in the region.

MPs, candidates and council leaders from across the political spectrum have given their support to our Powering Yorkshire's Future campaign, which aims to ensure the region reaps the full economic benefits of the expansion of offshore wind farms.

With at least 2,500 huge turbines required over the next decade in two vast wind farms out in the North Sea, planners and industry experts believe 10,000 jobs could be created in this region if manufacturers can be persuaded to base themselves on the Humber's banks.

The original plans for the container terminal sparked opposition from residents living on upmarket Victoria Dock nearby who were concerned their lives would be disrupted by round-the-clock industrial noise.

After a public inquiry in 2003 planning inspector Peter Beasley backed residents, saying the development would have "significant adverse effects".

However a Harbour Revision Order was granted after his findings were overruled by the Department of Transport.

Then-Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said the impact of the construction – including noise – would be "temporary" and the scheme was in the national and public interest.

Matt Jukes, port director for Hull and Goole, said noise "hopefully wouldn't present an issue" compared to that which would have been created by a container terminal.

It is planned to apply for an amendment to the order later this year. Consultation letters have gone out to interested parties, including local authorities.

He said: "It's not just a transit operation, there is significant potential employment with high quality jobs. It's a real opportunity we can't afford to miss and that's not lost on the council."