July 22, 2014
England

New Forest National Park Authority concerned about environmental impacts of Navitus Bay Wind Farm plans

By DavidBol | Blackmore Vale Magazine | Posted: July 21, 2014 | www.blackmorevale.co.uk

The New Forest National Park Authority has become the latest body to raise concerns about the impact of the proposed Navitus Bay Wind Park.

The National Park Authority’s Planning Committee has expressed issues regarding the visual impact the turbines could have on the coastline at Keyhaven and the cable route –which would run through the New Forest.

Chairman of the Planning Committee Pat Wyeth said: “The onshore cable route could also have an adverse impact on the landscape of this part of the New Forest, as there is no commitment to replace trees which will be lost.

“There could be a permanent scar running through the National Park, creating a long-term change in the landscape along the 40 metre wide cable route.”

If the plans are successful, 194 turbines could be constructed off the south coast.

Dorset MPs including Richard Drax and Connor Burns criticised the proposals earlier this month in the House of Commons, while the National Trust and an advisory body to UNSESCO have also raised concerns.

Steve Avery, executive director of strategy and planning at New Forest National Park Authority said: “As one of the planning authorities, the National Park has been asked to submit a local impact report – setting out what impacts we believe the scheme will have on the New Forest.

“Our detailed response will now be worked up reflecting our members’ concerns about impacts and submitted to the Planning Inspectorate’s examination, which we believe will start in September.

“In the meantime, we shall continue to engage with Navitus Bay Development Limited about some of the issued we have raised.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/07/22/new-forest-national-park-authority-concerned-about-environmental-impacts-of-navitus-bay-wind-farm-plans/