Government approval for windfarm

Scira's visualisation of what the windfarm will look like from the coast

A windfarm with up to 108 turbines off the Norfolk coast has been given approval by the government.

The Sheringham Shoal windfarm could provide power for 178,000 homes.

The development, by Scira Offshore Energy Ltd, will create the UK's fourth largest offshore windfarm, with work due to start next year.

"This new windfarm demonstrates our commitment to increase the amount of we generate from renewable sources," Energy secretary John Hutton said.

"Sheringham Shoal 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."