Representation by The Littlehampton Society (The Littlehampton Society)
- Date submitted
- 6 November 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
As a representative of the Committee of The Littlehampton Society, we air our beliefs that this is not a project of Sustainable Development and the consultation was poor for such a large scale project. The adverse impacts of Rampion 2 would outweigh the benefits and Rampion 2 would undermine to the achievement of sustainable development of the south coast including nearshore & inland ecosystems & associated communities. Rampion 2 projects itself as offshore whereas, only 8 miles from shore at the nearest point, it is inshore or nearshore. It is well within the 25mile buffer zone advised for the South Down National Park. It is also not an extension by definition, it is a completely stand alone installation. The noise pollution generated by construction, and the sickening infrasound created by blade thump and gear noise at high levels over extended periods of time, would be highly detrimental to the coastal communities in the area. The consultation was not at all clear, and our membership was very ill-informed about the project. To assist in providing information where (Rampion 2 was lacking by refusing to meet face to face even though restrictions on meeting and gathering were lifted) we coordinated to create a public meeting with experts in fields of acoustics, planning and surveying. Rampion 2 ignored and then declined to attend our invitation. I was contacted by Rampion 2 team members 24hrs before the meeting and asked to join in via Zoom, which we facilited. There are around 4 billion insects crossing the Channel annually for migration, along with them birds and bats. There is no mitigation for turbines in their path, in the zone of height where they fly. As well there is no possible mitigation for the marine life that will be subjected to piling sound of around 180dB - where are these creatures to go? What if they are breeding, spawning, nesting or cannot move away quick enough or have no other options. The kelp beds are regrowing due to a Trawling Byelaw - these would certainly be affected by construction as sedimentation one of the biggest threats to kelp. As well as urchins. Non-native invasive species are a Significant threat according to Rampion 2, and very likely as they come in on the bottoms of the support vessels. If the balance in the delicate ecosystem of the kelp beds is changed, the outcome could be disastrous. The kelp beds are a carbon sink and protect and feed countless marine creatures. All in all, this project is too hefty, too near and too destructive to be suitable for our delicate Sussex Bay and South Downs National Park. Thank you. Elizabeth Marogna