Plans for a large scale wind farm off the coast of the Isle of Wight have been scrapped as it is confirmed developers won’t appeal the Government’s decision to refuse planning consent.
As reported last month, the Department of Energy and Climate Change refused permission for the 121 turbines, which would have provided power for around 700,000 homes – the first time the Government department have done so for an offshore development.
The project would have provided a much-welcomed boost to the Island’s local economy with the creation of jobs in the marine and manufacturing industries.
Navitus Bay project director Stuart Grant has today said:
“After careful consideration, Navitus Bay has chosen not to challenge the decision by the Secretary of State to refuse consent for the proposed wind park.
“We would like to thank the communities on the south coast and all our stakeholders for their engagement throughout the project. We would also like to extend a thank you to the potential suppliers, who worked incredibly hard to inform our proposal.”
Marine data collected over the period of the project’s planning phases is said to be valuable and can provide a legacy by helping to stimulate research, support academia and contribute towards the sustainable management of the seabed. With this in mind, Navitus Bay say they will be making this data available via The Crown Estate’s Marine Data Exchange once transfer and quality assurance processes have been completed.
Photographed L-R: Cllr Luisa Hillard, Navitus Bay project manager Sean Matthews and Chris Lisher, former Yarmouth Harbour chief executive and harbour master
