THE firm behind the wind farm planned off the Dorset coast says that 79 per cent of Bournemouth residents are behind the scheme.

Eneco is planning to put up between 150 and 240 turbines off the coast.

At their closest they would be eight miles from Swanage and 10 miles from Bournemouth.

The firm said it spoke to more than 1,000 people online, over the phone and in person and also claimed that 76 per cent of people in Christchurch were in support.

For the south coast as a whole, the firm said that 77 per cent supported wind technology, while 81 per cent backed the park, named Navitus Bay Wind Park, and 78 per cent said they would be happy to live within sight of it.

It said the most supportive group was 16 to 34-year-olds, with 91 per cent backing the plans.

The park has been generally welcomed in Dorset, although some residents and councillors have voiced worries over how close it would be to the coastline, as well as doubts over how much power it would generate.

Eneco project director Chris Sherrington said: “We are pleased that there is strong local support for the development and look forward to continuing to consult with the general public throughout the lifetime of Navitus Bay.”

The company says the park will provide enough energy for between 615,000 and 820,000 homes.

Guy Madgwick, director of Eneco UK, added: “This project is of both national and local significance and will make a valuable contribution to the UK renewable energy targets to help combat the impacts of climate change and reduce reliance on overseas energy supplies.

“From the public opinion research it’s clear that the local population recognises these important issues, as 74 per cent felt it was important to develop renewable energy technology now to protect the planet for future generations.”

• What do you think?

Join in the debate online by visiting our website: bournemouthecho.co.uk