Work to construct the windfarm will start next year

The government has given permission for Cumbria's first offshore windfarm to be built by Warwick Energy in spring 2004.

The 30 turbines, which will stand 125m high and be situated about seven miles off Walney Island, will provide power to 87,000 homes.

Mark Petterson, executive director of Warwick Energy, told BBC Radio Cumbria the project had been welcomed by most people living in the Barrow-in-Furness area.

He said: "We are very grateful for the high level of support we have had throughout this process.

"Surveys carried out last year showed that as little as 8% of respondents were against the project and that is a very small percentage compared to some other schemes.

"It is good news for the environment."

Marine expertise

Furness Enterprise has campaigned for wind turbine developers to base themselves in Barrow because it would mean contract work for local businesses.

Stuart Klosinski said the windfarm will boost the Furness economy.

He told BBC Radio Cumbria: "Over the last 18 months we have out the message Barrow has got a lot to offer.

"Our message has been all along that we are only interested in renewable energy if it will generate jobs for local people and contracts for local companies and I think that message has got home."