Wind farm jobs boost for Newhaven Port (From The Argus)

Wind farm jobs boost for Newhaven Port

11:01am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in News By Neil Vowles

Up to 85 jobs could be created after Newhaven Port won the contract to become the operations and maintenance base for a giant offshore wind farm.

E.ON announced yesterday that the port would be the base for the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm if the development is granted approval.

The energy firm said the move could create the full-time permanent jobs with the majority of workers being recruited locally.

Newhaven was chosen ahead of Shoreham after a rigorous technical assessment of both ports.

The proposed base would contain office space, equipment storage and vessel mooring.

It would be used by a team dedicated to operating and maintaining the wind farm which, if given the go ahead, would be located more than eight miles off the Sussex coast.

Finalising proposals It is estimated the wind farm could feature up to 195 turbines.

E.ON is currently reviewing feedback from consultations held this year and will be finalising proposals for the farm in the next few months.

The firm would need to make a separate planning application to Lewes District Council for the port site before the development could take place.

The contract award has been hailed as a major boost in the redevelopment and modernisation of the port and the latest in a series of major projects proposed in the area.

The port is currently the subject of two planning applications from rival supermarket chains while the biggest waterpark in the world is also proposed.

Port manager Captain François Jean said: “This decision will kick start our plans for the regeneration of Newhaven Port and begin a new era for our wider plans to create a hub of clean, green power generation.”

Lewes MP Norman Baker said: “This is fantastic news for Newhaven, and something I have worked hard to secure. This is a real boost for the economy of the town.

“The tide has turned for Newhaven in general and the port in particular.”

Chris Tomlinson, E.ON development manager for the project, said: “It’s an ideal location to support the wind farm due to its proximity and accessibility to the site, and the amount of space available.”

Residents wishing to comment on the wind farm proposals will be able to register an interest with the Planning Inspectorate who will be assessing the application, at infrastructure.planningportal.gov.uk.