February 21, 2011
England

Historian’s fears after wind farm site confirmed off Jurassic Coast

The Herald, www.thisisplymouth.co.uk 21 February 2011

Dramatic alterations to one of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes will “spoil” the coastline, after a developer confirmed the exact location for its off-shore wind farm, a historian has claimed.

Up to 240 turbines could be built in the ocean, less than ten miles out to sea from part of Dorset’s historic Jurassic Coastline, after Dutch firm Eneco’s plans to bring renewable energy to the coastline were rubber-stamped by Bournemouth Borough Council.

Eneco was granted permission to build anywhere within a 279-square mile zone between the Isle of Wight and an area just west of Swanage. The company has now announced plans to build the giant turbines just eight miles from the coastline, rejecting the option to construct further out to sea.

Historian Rodney Legg said: “The Jurassic Coast is England’s only geological World Heritage Site and it would be spoiling a view that is half as old as time itself.

“There is the army firing range at Lulworth that sends shells 14 miles out to sea. If these things are ever put up the Army can use them as target practice.”

The turbines could be up to 150m (500ft) tall if built, making them larger than the London Eye. They will provide enough renewable power for between 615,000 and 820,000 homes, Eneco has said.

Project director Chris Sherrington said: “After comprehensively evaluating key aspects of the project, we have chosen the most suitable location for the wind park.

“This is an important milestone in the lifetime of the development of this project and enables us to look to the future and consider wider impacts such as the positive economic benefits our project could bring to the area.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/02/21/historians-fears-after-wind-farm-site-confirmed-off-jurassic-coast/