Brighton MP calls for Rampion wind farm rethink

Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby has written to the Energy Secretary Ed Davey to raise concerns about the Rampion offshore wind farm plans.

Mr Kirby wrote to Mr Davey, a Liberal Democrat member of the coalition government, to ask him to look again at the recent decision to give permission for the wind farm.

The Conservative MP said that he was prompted to write after a number of constituents set out their concerns about the possible impact of the wind farm on the local area.

Energy company Eon plans to build up to 175 turbines between 8 and 15 miles south of Brighton.

Mr Kirby said that concerns included

• The impact on local wildlife. There is a great deal of concern that birds may be killed by the turbines.
• Visual intrusion from the land to the sea. With scores of turbines the view that local people have from the coast to the sea will be irrevocably changed.
• The level of subsidies. The cost of the turbines could add significantly to the cost of electricity bills.
• From the sea, the view of the cliffs will be changed. Many people are worried that the historic view of the Sussex coastline will be spoiled by the installation of turbines.

He said that independent bodies such as conservation groups had criticised the decision to approve the wind farm plans, including expressing concerns about the impact on tourism in the area.

Mr Kirby wrote: “This is a matter of deep concern to many of my constituents. I hope the Secretary of State will look again at this decision which has many long-term implications for the area.”