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.
Wildlife concern
However, reports indicate there are fears installation of the huge poles will disrupt marine life in the English Channel.
Among the concerns raised in the E.On application, herrings could be deafened, seahorses killed and the habitats of shellfish destroyed.
The plans will also see the installation of a 26.4km cable running from the beach near Brooklands Leisure Park in Worthing to a substation in Bolney, near Haywards Heath.
This would need to pass under the A27, south coast railway and the River Adur, as well as partly through the South Downs National Park.
For more details visit www.planningportal.gov.uk/infrastructure or call 0303 444 5000.
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