Environmental campaigners are calling for the community to be given the chance to own wind farm turbines.

Groups and individuals had until Saturday to register interest in the E.On proposals for the Rampion wind farm with the Planning Inspectorate.

The proposal for up to 175 turbines off the coast of Brighton and Hove would produce enough electricity to power two-thirds of the homes in Sussex.

After registering its interest, Brighton and Hove Friends of the Earth said it would like the firm to consider options for community ownership of one or two turbines.

Member Chris Todd said: “We welcome the steps E.On has taken to address concerns raised during the public consultation, particularly reducing the scheme's impact on the Heritage Coast.

“However, while we are backing the proposals in principle, we would still like to see further improvements made. We are also pressing for a package of community benefits to offset the long term landscape impacts.

“These could include removal of eyesores on the South Downs, a better crossing for the South Downs Way over the A283 and a visitor centre.”

A final decision on whether consent will be granted will not be made until summer 2014.