Dorset council objects to Navitus Bay wind farm

A third local authority has rejected proposals for a giant wind farm off the south coast.

Christchurch Borough councillors voted unanimously against the planning application by Navitus Bay, at an extraordinary full council meeting.

Concerns included the visual impact and the effect on migratory birds.

Navitus Bay has said the development, of nearly 200 wind turbines, would also have a "significant positive impact" on the local economy.

Plans for the development, between Dorset and the Isle of Wight, have already been opposed by Bournemouth Borough and Purbeck District councils.

Councillor Margaret Phipps, Christchurch portfolio holder for the environment, said it was "in the wrong place".

"Turbines too close to shore and on a migratory bird route; the cable route corridor too long and too wide," she added.

"The entire proposal has massive environmental and ecological consequences."

The plans have also been opposed by a number of Dorset MPs and the National Trust, while Unesco has said it could affect the Jurassic Coast's World Heritage status.