A PROPOSED wind farm off the South Coast could become a money-spinning tourist attraction, according to the firm behind the project.

Project director Chris Sherrington yesterday told Bournemouth councillors how similar schemes in the UK were proving a big draw for sightseers.

During a meeting with civic chiefs at Bournemouth Pavilion, Mr Sherrington said a wind park off the Norfolk coast had been a hit with tourists and local residents, swelling numbers at Great Yarmouth visitors’ centre to 35,000 a year.

But local councillors voiced concern about Eneco’s plans for the park which will provide enough energy for between 615,000 and 820,000 homes.

At its closest it will be 8.2miles from Peveril Point, Swanage, with its northern boundary 10.2miles off Bournemouth.

Cllr Bob Chapman told the Daily Echo: “We are very protective of our coastline and I’m concerned about the visual impact of a wind park, as well as the effect on movements in and out of Poole harbour.

“But what probably concerns me most is the maintenance of the facility. It will not have an indefinite life span.

“What happens when the turbines need renewing? I’ve been assured that Eneco has the capacity to do that but it is a worry.”

Cllr David Smith said: “I support the principle of wind farms but I would prefer this one to be positioned further out to sea to protect the views from our shoreline.

“I’ve heard that other resorts actually bus people in to have a look at their wind farms. It’s the unknown that worries me; it’s down to the turbines’ impact.”

The wind farm, yesterday named the Navitus Bay scheme by Christchurch woman Jacky Ellwood, would be made up of between 150 and 240 turbines, sited at a depth of 38m.

Mr Sherrington told the Echo: “Some people like the look of wind parks; others don’t. It’s very much a personal thing.

“The turbines will be visible from Bournemouth seafront but I think people will get used to them.”