Meeting Over Plans To Build Windfarm

A public meeting over plans for a huge windfarm off the South Coast is being held at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Tourism bosses, MPs, Environmental Campaigners and the developers of Navitus Bay will all have a say this afternoon (10th May).

People living nearby will also be able to share their views on the proposals, which Navitus Bay Development Ltd submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for planning permission at the beginning of April.

Councillor John Beesley, Leader of the Council, said,

"This meeting is specifically for Bournemouth residents.  Although some individual Councillors and Officers have publicly voiced their opinions on previous versions of the plans during the consultation process, the Council has not yet officially expressed a view in support or opposition to the proposals.  We have waited for the planning application to be lodged with the Planning Inspectorate and are now preparing our representations in response."

He continued, "We want to be able to consider the general views and planning grounds expressed by residents at the meeting in our formal response.  The Council needs to provide evidence of any negative impacts on Bournemouth when compared with any local, regional or national benefits that an off-shore wind farm could offer."