Wind turbine near harbour draws resistance

The Harbour Conservancy organisation has warned that equipment used to generate electricity from renewable sources such as sunlight, wind and waves could pose a negative effect on Chichester Harbour and the wildlife found there.

The caution by the Harbour Conservancy has been induced by a new planning document given out by Havant Borough Council and which could have a big impact on the harbour.

A statement from Harbour Conservancy expressed concern over the idea of a landmark wind turbine adjacent to Chichester Harbour which could serve as a tourist attraction as well. The statement added that the wind turbine would instead be a blot on the landscape.

Harbour Conservancy was however quick to point out that they supported generation of electricity from renewable sources but they did not see the necessity of developing a wind energy turbine into a tourist attraction at a place where the impact on the wildlife was likely to be negative.

A proposed tidal power generating system to be located at the opening to the harbour could compromise the safe passage of vessels and sea safety in general. The tidal power generating system would also lead to the destruction of the salt marsh wildlife, ecosystem as well as other features of nature conservation.

The assortment of photovoltaic solar energy panels used to produce electricity from the sun was also seen as likely to pose a negative visual impact but this was dependent on location and range.

Harbour Conservancy pledged to resist any plan which would be detrimental to the environment and the wildlife around the harbour.