April 17, 2013
England

Navitus Bay wind farm a ‘threat to status of Jurassic Coast’

By Diana Henderson | Daily Echo | 17 April 2013 | www.bournemouthecho.co.ukBy Diana Henderson | Daily Echo | 17 April 2013 | www.bournemouthecho.co.uk

The Society of Poole Men has nailed its colours to the mast and come out against proposals for the huge Navitas Bay wind farm off the Dorset coast.

Founded to protect the welfare of the town, the society monitors all planning applications and is consulted on planning policies, development and local plans.

Having kept an open mind throughout two previous rounds of public consultation and noted all the changes that had been made, members have now decided to oppose plans for a wind park 9.1 miles off Swanage, which could see as many as 218 turbines, 200m high.

Ian Andrews, president of the society, said in their response that it posed a considerable threat to the Jurassic Coast.

“The wind farm presents a threat not just to the status of the Jurassic Coast as Britain’s only natural World Heritage Site, but to marine and land-based visitors to it and the AONBs and national park in its vicinity.

“It is much nearer to this sensitive coast than any others under consideration or permitted.”

Its proximity to the shore was a visual and physical obstruction to all kinds of shipping and sailing, it posed a threat to the local natural beauty, the local economy and tourism, said the society.

The wind farm would also have an effect on migratory birds and marine mammals and nationally recognised seabird colonies, it added.

“Although short and middle- term jobs may be created in the port area, there is insufficient land available for this to be regarded as a factor weighing in its advantage.”

The society added: “The power source is the most inefficient of any alternative sources, yet unless there are changes by the government, will receive the greatest subsidy.

“This cannot be right or in the national interest.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/04/17/navitus-bay-wind-farm-a-threat-to-status-of-jurassic-coast/