Twenty Fewer Turbines

Falck Nutec Wind Man
The BBC reported yesterday:

Plans for a wind farm in the English Channel have been reduced because of concerns about the impact on views from the South Downs National Park. The number of turbines has been cut by 20, to a maximum of 175, in a revised scheme submitted to the government. The proposed Rampion offshore wind farm would be visible from the national park .. Underground cabling will pass through the national park from Worthing to a new electrical sub station at Bolney, in West Sussex .. Ducting for the underground cable would be installed in a trench, which would be restored within weeks. “We are not suggesting there is never going to be any impact from a project like this,” said Mr Tomlinson.

The West Sussex County Times now has the SDNPA reaction:

Margaret Paren, Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “We’re pleased to see that E.ON has listened to our concerns regarding the visual impact of the Rampion proposal on the South Downs National Park, however we think that there is more to be done especially on the routing of the cables.” .. In response to concerns of the impact on the South Downs National Park, E.ON has put forward a number of solutions. These include a ducted method of cable installation to reduce the time required for trenching and restoration, tailored construction to reduce the impact on the chalk grasslands at Tottington Mount and a commitment to communicate with users, informing them of the impact on Public Rights of Way.

The Fulking Parish Council response to the Rampion proposals, from 29th September 2010, can be found here [PDF] and the SDNPA response, from 8th October 2010, is here [PDF].

Post updated 10th and 11th April 2013.