Plans for large south coast offshore wind farm on show

Licences for the nine sites around the UK were granted in January

Plans for a 100-sq-mile (256-sq-km) wind farm off the Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight coasts are going on show.

The proposed area, to the west of the Isle of Wight, is one of nine areas around the UK earmarked for large offshore wind farm projects.

The Isle of Wight licence was won by Eneco Wind UK and has a potential yield of 900MW to power 600,000 homes.

The first display is in Weymouth on Monday, followed by Swanage, Poole, Bournemouth, Lymington and Freshwater.

Representatives of Eneco Wind UK will be on hand to talk to members of the public about the development, its current status and the next steps.

Subject to consent

The firm said it would be developing about 30% of the 280-sq-mile zone (725-sq-km).

"The final design, layout and ultimate capacity of the offshore wind park will be determined only after comprehensive engagement with all parties involving the general public, local authorities and community and environmental groups," a Eneco Wind UK spokeswoman said.

Construction is set to begin in 2016, subject to planning consent. The wind farm would be fully operational by 2018, the firm said.

The winners of the licences at the nine sites around the UK have signed exclusive agreements with the Crown Estate, which owns the UK seabed.