EXPLORATORY drilling to investigate cable routes for an offshore wind farm is due to start near Highcliffe beach from Monday.

Eneco, the developer of the Navitus Bay Wind Park, will start the investigative drilling for the cable routes at two sites in Highcliffe for around five days.

A team will carry out the works which will include putting down bore holes at a site near the cliff top car park at the junction of Waterford Road and Wharncliffe Road and another in Abingdon Drive.

A spokesperson for Eneco said: “This is part of our exploratory work and does not mean the cables will definitely come through here.

“At the moment it is very much in the investigative stages.”

The wind farm proposals could see between 150 and 240 turbines providing enough energy for between 615,000 and 820,000 homes.

Eneco intends to apply for planning permission in 2013, planning consent in 2015 and aims to start creating the site a year later.

It would aim to open in 2019.

The site is designed to take advantage of Poole and Christchurch bays to bring the massive wind generators inshore to a mere eight miles off Christchurch Harbour’s entrance – roughly the same distance out as the needles.

The spokesperson added: “This work is intended to cause minimum disruption.

“It is by no means a massive amount of work and will not cause major disruption – but if residents do have any concerns they should not hesitate to contact us.”

Although the work will only take about five days from 8am-5pm, it may take up to 10 days for the equipment to be moved.

Residents with concerns can call 01926 331214.