Energy company E.ON is today (February 6) unveiling its plans for between 100 and 195 wind turbines eight miles out to sea off the coast between Brighton and Newhaven.

The wind farm would generate enough energy to power more than two out of every three homes in Sussex, including the whole of Brighton and Hove.

It would be one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world.

The development has been broadly welcomed by MPs, councillors and environmental groups.

However, some concerns have been raised about the impact underground cable work will have on the South Downs National Park.

At peak times the farm would be the equivalent of a 700MW power station, with each turbine up to 175 metres tall.

This is more than three times the height of the Brighton Wheel.

Project development manager Chris Tomlinson said: “The Rampion wind farm offers a unique opportunity for us to make a valuable contribution to securing our electricity supplies for the future.”

Lewes MP Norman Baker said: ““People will hardly be able to notice the turbines in the distance, and they will provide an important source of energy. This is definitely the way forward."

Chris Todd, from Brighton and Hove Friends of the Earth, said: “There is the potential that construction work on the cable will cause damage to the habitat on the South Downs, and that needs to be worked and planned very carefully."

In the next few months E.ON will be installing a meteorological mast on the site to measure wind speeds, wave heights, sea currents and record other offshore environmental data.

How to have your say on project

The community consultation for the project runs from Monday, February 13 until Sunday, May 6.

People can have their say on the proposal by completing and returning a consultation questionnaire, at one of the public exhibitions, online at eon-uk.com/rampion, or by post to FREEPOST RAMPION OFFSHORE WIND FARM.

They can also write to one of the Rampion team at Rampion@eon.com or call the consultation line on 01273 694876.

Public information events will be held at:

Brighton

Saturday, February 18, 10am – 6pm

Brighton Unitarian Church, New Road.

Worthing

Saturday, February 25, 10am - 6pm

St Paul’s Church, Main Hall, Chapel Road.

Newhaven

Monday, February 27, midday – 8pm

Hillcrest Community Centre, Main Hall, Hillcrest Road.

Shoreham

Monday, March 5, midday – 8pm

Holmbush Shopping Centre, Main Atrium, Upper Shoreham Road.

Hove

Saturday March 10, 10am – 6pm

St Andrew Old Church Hall, Church Road.

Peacehaven

Wednesday, March 21, midday – 8pm

Community House, Anzac Room, Meridian Centre.

Seaford

Monday, March 12, midday – 8pm

The Clinton Centre, Clinton Hall, Clinton Place.

Albourne

Saturday, March 17, 10am – 6pm

Albourne Village Hall, The Street.

Henfield

Tuesday, March 27, 11am – 6.30pm

Henfield Village Hall, Main Hall, Coopers Way.

Lancing

Thursday, March 29, midday – 8pm

Lancing Parish Hall, Jubilee Hall, South Street.

Littlehampton

Wednesday, April 4, midday – 8pm

Manor House, New Millennium Chamber, Church Street.

Read more on this story in the two-page special report inside today's Argus.

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