Rampion wind farm responds to ‘concerns’

There have been ‘concerns’, said E.On. These were mainly the visual impact of the wind farm from the Sussex Heritage Coast, the impact on fishermen and sea users, and the impact of the onshore cable route on the South Downs National Park.

Over the last year, E.ON has had feedback received from over 1,500 people and organisations in Sussex through a major community consultation. Chris Tomlinson, the project’s development manager said, “Having considered their feedback and taken on board their views, we’ve made some significant changes to improve our proposals that will reduce the impact on the local community, while maintaining a project capable of generating electricity for the needs of two thirds of the homes in Sussex.”

In response to concerns of the impact on the South Downs National Park, E.ON has put forward a number of solutions. These include a ducted method of cable installation to reduce the time required for trenching and restoration, tailored construction to reduce the impact on nearby chalk grasslands at Tottington Mount, and a commitment to communicate with users, informing them of the changes to Public Rights of Way.

Following apprehension about the development’s effect on ancient woodland outside the National Park, minor realignments of the cable route have been introduced to avoid ecologically sensitive areas.

The company has also responded to traffic concerns highlighted by residents living near the proposed new substation and has said that there will be no construction access after the initial construction site is established.

In response to calls to lessen the visual impact of the substation, tree planting is planned along the northern and southern boundaries of the substation site to reduce visual impact.