WILL a wind farm eight miles from Swanage and 10 miles from Bournemouth and Poole really have any effect on tourism?

First, you have to ask yourself how visible they would be. The plan is for 180 to 200 wind turbines with no definite heights yet given but which could be up to 672ft.

That is a lot more than three times the height of the top of the spire at St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth. And about half the height of the Empire State Building in New York.

Secondly, how many tourists would be concerned about these objects on the skyline? We all know how cherished the views are from our coastline. The building of the Imax proved that point.

But would wind turbines 10 miles out deter a family coming to enjoy the beaches?

And for every tourist who’s deterred by the thought of them, might you attract another coming just to see them?

A report on the impact of the wind farm on tourism will make interesting reading.

But the key question is whether they are a sensible source of power for the future.