BOURNEMOUTH councillors will hear of concerns about the proposed Navitus Bay wind farm as they try to agree their formal response to the controversial application.

A scrutiny panel meeting next Wednesday will see officers update councillors on the planning process and the main issues of potential local concern.

Bournemouth council is one of a number of consultees in the process and its view will be considered by the Secretary of State, who will make the final decision next year.

It is proposed the council’s response will highlight the potential impact on tourism and the local economy, as well as the potential impact on the wildlife, ecology and residents’ quality of life.

Cllr Mark Anderson, pictured inset, chair of the environment and transport overview and scrutiny panel, said: “We have invited the wider membership of the council to jointly discuss with the panel the scope of areas of response to the planning inspectorate.

“It will be an opportunity to make sure that the council is focusing on the issues most relevant to our community and the council’s area of expertise.

“The panel debate will help to inform the subsequent detailed response to the Planning Inspectorate which we currently anticipate will be submitted in August.”

The meeting will start at 6pm in the town hall and is open to the public.

The wind farm application documents are available for public view at Bournemouth Library until Monday, June 23, which is the final day for registering with the Planning Inspectorate as an interested party.