THE Conservative group on Borough of Poole has decided to oppose the proposed £3billion Navitus Bay wind farm off the Purbeck coast.

A statement issued by Cllr Elaine Atkinson on behalf of the 19 strong ruling group explained their reasons.

It said: “The group of Conservative councillors on Poole Council have carefully monitored the developing proposals for a wind farm proposed by Navitus Bay Development Ltd. Now that a proposal has been submitted and after careful and detailed examination the Conservative group has decided unanimously to oppose the development.

“Supporting that decision has been an extensive consumer survey to establish the local community view. The results of this research have demonstrated that a significant majority of the local community are opposed to the windfarm.

“The proposal is for almost 200 turbines over 200 metres high. A clear majority of residents are concerned over the visual impact and the possible effect on tourism and the marine environment. Less than 30% support renewable wind energy while a majority support other renewable sources including solar and tidal energy.

“Major concerns have also been expressed about the cost justification for this scheme and about its sustainability. The proposed wind farm will need massive subsidies and will only have a life of 25 years. The sea bed and immediate area will be affected for hundreds of years.

“After careful consideration of the available facts the group has decided to vigorously oppose the proposals. We have major concerns from economic, environmental and sustainability standpoints.

“The area proposed is of outstanding natural beauty and to place an inefficient industrial complex slap bang in the middle of it offends common sense. Whilst we support renewable energy far too many concerns remain unanswered and the questionable benefits are far outweighed by the negatives.”