I was rather incensed by the recent article in the Echo regarding the Navitus wind farm project in Bournemouth bay, which is a serious case of misinformed if not disinformed Nimbyism.

The article goes through a one-sided list of unsubstantiated assertions that make little sense to anyone who care to give it a good thought.

Can anyone believe, for instance, that six million people would not come to Bournemouth because of a wind farm far out in the bay?

I think they would, just to see what it looks like. I could make a number of equally unsubstantiated but plausible counter arguments such as: 

  • The wind farm would become an attraction with pleasure boats taking people to see it 
  • It would create a new habitat for marine life and enhance fishing in the area
  • Such a large complex will require maintenance with related activity and jobs and the Bournemouth/Poole area should make sure these are locally based.

I am not an unconditional supporter of renewable energy but, having worked in the energy sector for 40 years, I recognise that the world in general – and this country in particular, usually so keen to tell the rest of the world what to do – urgently needs to diversify their energy mix and wind has a part to play in this.

Wind farms, solar parks, power stations have to be located somewhere.

Wherever it is, there will be some impact on the environment which needs to be weighed against the benefits.

I think this should be done in a dispassionate and honest fashion.

This is too important for the future to allow slogans and partisan opinions to win the day.

Jean-Francois Larivé Grasmere road, Bournemouth