Representation by Worthing Borough Council (Worthing Borough Council)
- Date submitted
- 3 November 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Worthing Borough Council Comments (officer level response) Worthing Borough Council declared a climate emergency in July 2019. As part of this declaration, the Council has made a commitment to work towards being a carbon neutral council by 2030 and to be net zero carbon by 2045. The Council also acknowledges national targets set for delivering offshore wind, and for carbon reduction, and the important role offshore wind power can play in contributing to these. As such, the Council supports the increased provision of green energy that would be delivered by Rampion 2. However these positive aspects must be balanced against the need to take wider matters into account. Whilst it is recognised that larger turbines generate renewable electricity more efficiently and that there must be a tradeoff between aesthetic impact and renewable energy production there are some concerns about the visual impact of the turbines. Any assessment of visual impact should ensure that the coastline of Worthing Borough is adequately addressed, given its important role as a recreational resource for residents and visitors, and heritage assets including Worthing Pier. The Council is also concerned that any adverse impacts to biodiversity are minimised, and an overall net gain for biodiversity is delivered. In particular the Council seeks assurance that any damage to the seabed arising from construction, cabling, operation or decomissioning works is appropriately restored and monitored in order to provide a stable seabed. Any disturbance should be minimised and mitigated appropriately. Benefits arising from the Rampion scheme should be distributed throughout those communities impacted by the schemes, particularly coastal communities and areas experiencing deprivation. The Council would welcome the opportunity to discuss how this can be supported, in more detail. The Council wishes to highlight the opportunities that could arise from facilitating direct links between energy generated by the Rampion schemes and the green energy technologies emerging along the south coast. We are keen to explore opportunities to support green energy hub(s) within the borough. Although there are no physical works proposed within Worthing, we understand that other local authorities and organisations have raised concerns about potential impacts of construction, operation, and decommissioning (both offshore and onshore). As a neighbouring authority, we seek to ensure that these matters are adequately considered and mitigated as appropriate.