Public Inquiry

[The Large One]

The Public Inquiry into the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm begins today.

Just reading through the correspondence (bored today), it seems most objections come from visual impact (use of public funds comes second), while people supporting the proposals appear to like the idea of the view of the wind turbines, usually because of what they represent (renewable energy). By the 212 pieces of correspondence on the website, I'd say there is about 60/40 split in favour of the scheme.

In terms of visual impact alone, will the 175 wind turbines bother you? Will they be an asset or hindrance to the view from the coast?

 

[strings]

I like the view of wind turbines. There is something peaceful and calming about their slow and quiet spinning.

 

[KZNSeagull]

How far offshore are they?
Just looks like there are a load of ships queuing up for something. Looks ok to me.

 

[countryman]

I would rather it was moved a long a bit. It would be better if it was further towards Peacehaven so it didn't ruin the view of Brighton beach, which could put some tourists off. But I do like the idea of having a wind farm.

Does anyone know how far this wind farm will stretch?

 

[Cheshire Cat]

They could be more visible than the photo suggests - cameras can lie depending on the distance, weather, zoom, focus, light etc. The wind farm from Crosby in Liverpool appears more visible here, but there are other photos where it almost disappears into the horizon

 

[beorhthelm]

sea views are, frankly, boring. not your view along the coast of course, they can be interesting and exciting. but looking out due south from the linear south coast is Dullsville.

Build it.

 

[Hotchilidog]

I like the view, and I'm in favour of increased investment in renenewables so it gets the thumbs up from me. If you ever visit the Kent coast there is a wind farm visible from Whitstable and it is quite impressive.

Also ours is a particularly windy part of the coast and would be ideally suited for such a venture.

 

[The Large One]

How far offshore are they?
Just looks like there are a load of ships queuing up for something. Looks ok to me.

About 13km (8 miles) apparently.

 

[KZNSeagull]

About 13km (8 miles) apparently.

Ok. That's a long way out. And you won't see them for 300 days of the year cos of the rain/fog

 

[Westdene Seagull]

I never understand the "they look shit" argument. I've driven through many parts in France and they look magnificent. The farm down near Rye looks pretty damn good as well. Get's the thumbs up from me just as long as the cost of the power generated from them is reasonable.

 

[Superphil]

Anyone objecting to developments like this should have their electricity supply restricted intermittently, with power cuts of undetermined lengths every other day, so that they can experience what the world be like in the future for all our children, grandchildren etc. FFS the planet MUST change its reliance on fossil fuels, personally I'd put wind turbines all the way round the coast where it's possible to, it should be a global policy, for all nations. Screw the cost, tax those who object to them to pay for them.

 

[Husty]

The view off of Brighton beach is hardly picturesque, a few wind turbines won't damage anything.

 

[Seagull27]

Anyone objecting to developments like this should have their electricity supply restricted intermittently, with power cuts of undetermined lengths every other day, so that they can experience what the world be like in the future for all our children, grandchildren etc. FFS the planet MUST change its reliance on fossil fuels, personally I'd put wind turbines all the way round the coast where it's possible to, it should be a global policy, for all nations. Screw the cost, tax those who object to them to pay for them.

Exactly this

 

[HawkTheSeagull]

Quite like them, and as a poster above said - you would barely see them most days because of crap weather - what with them being 8 miles off the coast and all.

 

[TheJasperCo]

Not sure either way about the view. I can see how the novelty would wear off after a time, since they are effectively dozens of 100+ft high man-made windmills. But then people don't tend to give pylons a second glance these days, do they?

I think it's other issues that concern me about this project: what about boats and wildlife getting caught up in the area? Is it really economically viable when you break down the figures? Will it set a precedent to stick huge numbers of these things all over the place in the near future? Overall I'm not too bothered about it, but then again I'm always prudish about new schemes like these.

 

[Djmiles]

I like them personally.

This topic is right up my alley, I wrote my dissertation at Uni on the feasibility of constructing an offshore wind farm in Wales.

 

[Driver 8]

I live on a hill overlooking the Dee Estuary and the Irish Sea and probably could see upwards of 200 turbines if I could be bothered to count them. They have all been put up since I moved in but tbh I barely notice them and they certainly don't bother me.

They are there honestly!

 

[skipper734]

Anyone objecting to developments like this should have their electricity supply restricted intermittently, with power cuts of undetermined lengths every other day, so that they can experience what the world be like in the future for all our children, grandchildren etc. FFS the planet MUST change its reliance on fossil fuels, personally I'd put wind turbines all the way round the coast where it's possible to, it should be a global policy, for all nations. Screw the cost, tax those who object to them to pay for them.

Not just about the view though Phill and Seagull 27, although that probably doesn't bother you. This is an ancient inshore fishing site, there's wrecks so divers use it and recreational boat users also. There appears to be an assumption by, mainly the fishing and diving groups that it won't be a prohibited area and they will still have access. I personally doubt this, and E.on have not answered their questions concerning access.
Presumably any vessel, large or small, from Shoreham. Brighton and Newhaven will just have to go round, if they want to go due south to France. A lot of unanswered questions.

 

[Cadiz Seagull]

Won´t they be a danger to seagulls?

I think we should be told.

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

Won´t they be a danger to seagulls?

I think we should be told.

It needs a scientific study into seagull collisions , there have been fruit bats in South Africa flying into wind turbines.