UK: Rampion Offshore Wind Farm Application Accepted for Examination

UK Rampion Offshore Wind Farm Application Accepted for Examination

Proposals for E.ON’s Rampion Offshore Wind Farm have been accepted for consideration by the Planning Inspectorate.

Consultation feedback from over 1500 people and organisations in Sussex has been used to shape the wind farm proposals.

Chris Tomlinson, E.ON Development Manager for the project, said: “We’re delighted to reach this important milestone and that the application will now be considered by the Planning Inspectorate. In finalising our proposals, we’ve been very grateful for the level of interest shown by the local community and the comments we have received. The feedback from the consultations has helped us shape the proposals and further reduce the impact on the local community, while maintaining a project capable of generating electricity for the needs of two thirds of the homes in Sussex1.”

Norman Baker MP for Lewes, said: “I’m pleased that matters are moving forward. This development, if given permission, will create an initial 85 jobs in Newhaven, as well as helping the UK both to become more energy self-sufficient and cut carbon emissions.”

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “Following a period of further consultation by E.ON, I’m delighted that the proposals for the Rampion wind farm are now back on the table and hope the project will get the green light. This exciting clean energy development could provide secure and sustainable power for a huge number of homes in Brighton and Hove – as well as creating local jobs, slashing carbon emissions and boosting the region’s reputation as a place for investment in green industries.”

If built, the wind farm could have up to 175 turbines and a capacity of 700MW which could generate enough electricity to supply the equivalent of around 450,000 homes3.

Notices are now being placed in local and national newspapers under Section 56 of the Planning Act 2008, setting out how the community can register their opinions with the Planning Inspectorate. The public will be able to view E.ON’s final proposals and register as an ‘interested party’ with the Planning Inspectorate during the period from 3 April – 11 May 2013.

The main concerns highlighted through the consultation were the visual impact of the wind farm from the Sussex Heritage Coast, the impact on fishermen and sea users and the impact of the onshore cable route on the South Downs National Park.

E.ON has worked to reduce the wind farm area by almost a quarter of the area consulted upon and to around half that originally awarded by The Crown Estate in January 20102. This has been achieved by removing an area to the southeast of the site, therefore reducing the view of the wind farm visible from the Heritage Coast by over 35%.

This change has also led to a reduction in the maximum number of proposed turbines by 20, meaning the project could feature between 100 and 175 turbines depending on the model selected.

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.

Following concerns raised about semi-natural ancient woodland, outside the National Park, minor realignments of the cable route have been introduced to avoid ecologically sensitive areas. E.ON has also listened to concerns about traffic on Bob Lane highlighted by residents living near the proposed new substation and has confirmed that there will be no construction access from Bob Lane after the initial construction site is established. In response to calls to lessen the visual impact of the substation, tree planting is planned along the northern and southern boundaries of the substation site to reduce visual impact.

E.ON has also undertaken further engineering work, resulting in a reduction in the maximum number of gravity base foundations that may be required. This will play a key part in minimising the impact on wave heights which the surfing and wave sports community were concerned about. With this change wave heights will only be impacted by around 3%, compared to the potential 22% featured in the original proposals.

A final decision on whether consent will be granted will not be made until summer 2014.

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Press release, April 9, 2013; Image: e.on