English Channel wind farm plans to go on display

The wind farm would be located 8.2 miles (13.2km) off Peveril Point

Residents in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight are being given the chance to see plans for a major offshore wind farm.

The company behind the 76 sq-mile (200-sq-km) project is holding public exhibitions over the next 18 months.

The Infrastructure Planning Commission, a body which rules on major national projects, will then consider approval.

If agreed, the wind farm will generate power for between 615,000 to 820,000 homes a year.

Potential impact

Last November, the public in Dorset were shown plans for the onshore parts of the project, including locations for the substation.

The consultation will now focus on the offshore aspects of project, which is called Navitus Bay.

The developers, Eneco, says it wants feedback on important viewpoints from the coastline and the impact to fishing, diving, recreational activity and commercial shipping.

The original proposals unveiled in March 2011 were for up to 240 wind turbines.

It showed a wind farm located 8.2 miles (13.2km) off Peveril Point at Swanage and 8.4 miles (13.5km) south west of The Needles.

The project is one of nine UK sites earmarked for large offshore wind farms.

Details of the public exhibitions can be found of the developers website