Huge wind farm plan is officially unveiled

The Rampion off-shore wind farm, which has been proposed by energy group E.ON, would contain a maximum of 194 wind turbines has been proposed just 13 kilometres off the coastline.

The site would have an electrical capacity of around 700 kilowatts and would generate enough power to serve the domestic needs of 450,000 homes a year – more than two-thirds of the homes in the whole of Sussex.

The wind farm, which would span 167 square kilometres and have an output of an estimated 2,100 gigawatt-hours a year, would be visible from the shore from Littlehampton in the west, right across to Newhaven, in the east.

The name Rampion was proposed by Davison High School, after the school won a competition to name the new project.

Due to the scale of the proposed development, the Rampion off-shore wind farm is defined as a nationally significant infrastructure project by the government, which requires public consultation.

Now, after two years of development and planning, E.ON is inviting people to give their opinions on the project, during a 12-week consultation period – the largest the energy company has ever held.

Chris Tomlinson, E.ON development manager for the project, said: “The project has been named Rampion after the rampion flower, the county flower of Sussex. We are hoping this project will give the name ‘Rampion’ a new lease of life.

“I’ve been really encouraged by the response we’ve had so far and I’m excited to discuss the project in more detail with the local community.”

Power generated from the wind farm will be passed to a National Grid substation in Bolney via 27.8 kilometres of underground cabling. This cabling will hit the shore at Brooklands leisure park in East Worthing and make its way under the A27 and the South Downs National Park.

Although the substation at Shoreham Port was considered for the project, it was found the station would not have the capacity to cope with the extra wattage.

If the project were to go ahead, it would create 65 to 85 jobs for the area.

WORTHING – Saturday, February 25, 10am-6pm. St Paul’s Centre, Main Hall, Chapel Road

STEYNING – Wednesday, February 29, 12pm-8pm. The Steyning Centre, Coombe Court, Fletcher’s Croft, off Vicarage Lane

SHOREHAM – Monday, March 5, 12pm-8pm Holmbush Shopping Centre, Main Atrium, Upper Shoreham Road

LANCING – Thursday, March 29, 12pm-8pm Lancing Parish Hall, Jubilee Hall, South Street

LITTLEHAMPTON – Wednesday, April 4, 12pm-8pm. Manor House (council buildings), New Millennium Chamber, Church Street

Those unable to attend an exhibition can find more information or give feedback by calling 01273 603721 or visiting eon-uk.com/rampion