The RYA have condemned plans for a new windfarm off Dorset as being ‘poorly’ located. Eneco have identified the most suitable place to locate the wind park as being an area of 76 square miles approximately 8.2 miles from Peveril Point in Swanage, 10.2 miles from Bournemouth and 8.4 miles south west of The Needles and the Isle of Wight.

“Eneco’s announcement confirms that they have identified their preferred development area within the West of Wight Round 3 Zone. At this stage, however, Eneco has not produced any detailed plans as to how many turbines are proposed or how they might be laid out within this area”, commented Caroline Price, RYA Planning and Environmental Advisor.

The RYA met with Eneco last May to discuss concerns about the West of Wight zone, and explained the importance of the area for recreational boating and emphasised how busy this area is for both recreational and commercial vessel traffic.

“Navigation through operational windfarms should not create significant additional risks for recreational boaters, however we are concerned that the preferred development area as confirmed by Eneco is poorly located from a wider navigational perspective” continued Caroline.

Eneco is keen to engage directly with clubs and training centres in the local area and the RYA would therefore encourage interested groups to attend the information days being held by Eneco around the Solent and to register their individual concerns and comments directly with Eneco.

Public information days to hear more about the planning process and the location of the wind park will be held on the following days:  

·        Weymouth: Pavilion Theatre – 16th March 2011

·        Poole: RNLI Lifeboat College – 17th March 2011

·        Newport, Isle of Wight: Quay Arts Centre – 23rd March 2011

·        Lymington: Lymington Community Centre – 24th March 2011

·        Christchurch: Regent Centre – 25th March 2011

·        Bournemouth: Pavilion Theatre – 30th March 2011

·        Swanage: Mowlem Theatre – 31st March 2011