Issue - items at meetings - Rampion Windfarm: Response to Draft Environmental Statement

Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

That the Committee authorise the Strategic Director, Place to produce a response for the City Council on the draft Environmental Statement in liaison with Adur District Council and the Shoreham Port Authority, in consultation with the Chair and Opposition Spokespersons.

12.1      The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place that provided an update to Members on the progress of the proposed Rampion off-shore windfarm and requested permission for the Strategic Director, Place to be authorised to respond to the draft Environmental Statement on behalf of the council. The report was supplemented by a presentation by representatives from E.O.N.

12.2      The Chair stated that he hoped Members would welcome the benefits of the proposals including CO2 reduction, a boost to the economy and jobs, education and tourism. There were concerns about the seascape, marine biology and the cable route. However, the consultation was ongoing and the project had the potential to be good for the city and it was important for the Authority to be a critical friend.

12.3      Councillor Sykes asked if the environmental statement had been reviewed by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and the expected impact of the 195 concrete turbine bases on the marine environment.

12.4      The representatives from E.O.N replied that the environmental statement had not been reviewed by IEMA but the proposals had been accessed by the Planning Inspectorate who had their own environmental guidelines and the experts within their own organisation. The representatives added that there was some evidence from previous projects that the concrete bases for the turbines saw an increase in marine activity.

12.5      Councillor Janio asked why Shoreham Power Station could not be used as a substation.

12.6      The representatives from E.O.N clarified that whilst they hoped to be able to use this facility, they had found that the energy capacity generated from the turbines would be too high for Shoreham Power Station.

12.7      Councillor Theobald asked if there were similar schemes in operation and if there was an intention to use local companies and employment for construction and operation.

12.8       The representatives from E.O.N replied that a similar scale project was in operation in Great Yarmouth and had good support. He further explained that E.O.N were currently working with Marine South East a business-led consortium developer in identifying local options and they were currently assessing interest.

12.9      RESOLVED- That the Committee authorise the Strategic Director, Place to produce a response for the City Council on the draft Environmental Statement in liaison with Adur District Council and the Shoreham Port Authority, in consultation with the Chair and Opposition Spokespersons.