The site came within the area of two local planning authorities, Swale Borough Council and Canterbury City Council, and met with opposition locally with planning permission being refused. The case went to appeal and recently the Council’s objections were overruled the

British Government.

The progress of the project has been watched closely by Thanet District Council, which is promoting Ramsgate Port as the shore base for both the construction phase and the ongoing  maintenance requirements of the wind farm over its expected 50 year life span.

Ramsgate is one of just a few ports within easy reach of the huge offshore site, the nearest corner of the site being the South Knock buoy some 17 miles from the port.

Ramsgate harbour comprises the old Royal Harbour, home to the Marina and local fishing fleet and often playing host to tugs and workboats working on marine civil projects in the area and the newer ‘port’ area with the roro ferry berths. Transeuropa Ferries currently have five ships operating up to 20 sailings a day to Ostend. It is this part of the harbour that TDC plan to develop for the wind farm work.

It is anticipated that some 150 skilled workers will be required for the long-term maintenance work while the actual construction phase of the project will require up to 800 workers, many of whom will be based in Ramsgate, bringing a much needed boost to businesses in the area.

Local press reports state that London Array considers Ramsgate to be the lead candidate for securing the shore side works stating, ‘At the moment there isn’t a second runner’.

Thanet Council leader Sandy Ezekiel also spoke enthusiastically about potential for the port, saying, “This is good news for Ramsgate. We may be the preferred candidate but we’ll have to remain competitive. European law states they’ll have to get competitive quotes’.

By Peter Barker