South Downs Society Challenges E.ON Over Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, UK

Environmental campaign group, the South Downs Society, yesterday called on energy company E.ON to justify its plans to run 8 miles of power cables across England’s newest national park in the South Downs.

The company’s plans to erect between 100 and 200 huge turbines offshore from Brighton and the Sussex coast – the Rampion offshore wind farm — have produced a mixed response from the public.

Society’s Chairman Robert Cheesman, says: “We support efforts to generate energy from renewable, “green” sources but we look at each case on its merits. When most people go for a walk along the Seven Sisters cliffs they don’t want to look out at a wind farm. If there have to be turbines out in the English Channel, they should be as far away as possible from tranquil areas of countryside. Looking out from the Brighton seafront is one thing, the view from Beachy Head is quite another.”

The South Downs Society has also challenged E.ON’s plans to route its new power cables across the chalk downs to connect with the national grid. The company has rejected alternative cable routes which would have avoided the national park but is meeting strong resistance to its preferred line.

Mr. Cheesman comments: “We’re pleased that E.ON has opted for underground cables rather than overhead wires but we have yet to see a proper justification for the route they favour. There are no finer landscapes in Britain than our national parks and the South Downs deserve the highest possible protection. E.ON will need to do a better job at explaining why they want to dig them up.”

The Society has reminded E.ON that they are obliged by law to demonstrate how their actions will benefit the national park and is also keen to see how government’s intention to give voice to local people will be respected.

They are also demanding a substantial package of environmental improvement schemes in the downs to compensate for any damage to the landscape, wildlife and public enjoyment if the scheme does go ahead.

“It’s essential that E.ON do listen to all the points being made to them,” says Mr. Cheesman. “Their timetable doesn’t appear to leave much time between the end of this consultation and them submitting an application for consent, but they’ll need to do a lot more work before our Society would be reassured.” 

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Offshore WIND staff, August 8, 2012; Image: E.ON