A wind farm off the coast of Sussex has moved a step closer – but with major question marks against its impact on the environment.
E.On wants to install up to 175 turbines 13km south of Brighton beach as part of its Rampion project.
Bosses believe the offshore site between Worthing and Newhaven will create enough power for about 450,000 homes.
But, as a major step was taken forward in the application, the proposal reveals concerns around the impact on marine life, such as seahorses and herrings.
It comes as the Planning Inspectorate registered the application for the site.
Chris Tomlinson, E.ON development manager for the project, told The Argus yesterday (March 26) he expected a further 12 months of consultation with a final decision expected in May 2014.
He added there had been no decision on the number of turbines which would be at the site.
More details on the plans will be unveiled at an application launch event in The Dome foyer in Church Street, Brighton, on April 9.
Once this is held, members of the public will be allowed to register with the Planning Inspectorate as an interested party in the application.
According to the application, the project would make a “significant contribution” towards the achievement of the Government’s renewable energy target.
It said the rotor diameter of the turbines would be between 112m to 172m.
Sussex coast windfarm a step closer From The Argus)
E.On wants to install up to 175 turbines 13km south of Brighton beach as part of its Rampion project.
Bosses believe the offshore site between Worthing and Newhaven will create enough power for about 450,000 homes.
But, as a major step was taken forward in the application, the proposal reveals concerns around the impact on marine life, such as seahorses and herrings.
It comes as the Planning Inspectorate registered the application for the site.
Chris Tomlinson, E.ON development manager for the project, told The Argus yesterday (March 26) he expected a further 12 months of consultation with a final decision expected in May 2014.
He added there had been no decision on the number of turbines which would be at the site.
More details on the plans will be unveiled at an application launch event in The Dome foyer in Church Street, Brighton, on April 9.
Once this is held, members of the public will be allowed to register with the Planning Inspectorate as an interested party in the application.
According to the application, the project would make a “significant contribution” towards the achievement of the Government’s renewable energy target.
It said the rotor diameter of the turbines would be between 112m to 172m.
Sussex coast windfarm a step closer From The Argus)
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