Issue - items at meetings - Rampion Offshore Windfarm

Report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

That the committee notes the council’s representations (appendices 1 and 2 of this report) to the Planning Inspectorate on the Rampion Offshore Windfarm and endorses these as representing the council’s formal response to the Planning Inspectorate.

61.1         The Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing introduced the report and stated that an endorsement of the submission made to the Planning Inspector in regard to EON’s application for development consent to the Rampion Offshore Windfarm was sought as being the corporate view of Brighton & Hove City Council.

61.2         Councillor Peltzer Dunn stated that he supported the report and felt that it was an opportunity which should be pursued as it was similar to the project along the East Coast of Norfolk, and could provide greater benefits to the city.

61.3         Councillor Randall noted that the number of turbines had been reduced as technology had developed and suggested that each one could be linked to a school in Sussex, and thereby act as a vehicle for educational development and provide a community link.

61.4         Councillor West stated that he was happy to explore the idea of linking schools with the development which would have a significant impact for the city and the use of energy.

61.5         Councillor G. Theobald welcomed the report and stated that it was an important factor that could support the City Deal bid and enable partner authorities and the local ports to benefit from the development.  He therefore hoped that matters would progress.

61.6         Councillor Morgan stated that the Labour & Co-operative Group fully supported the recommendations and that there was a need to think about energy resilience and future security for residents in terms of energy costs and supply.

61.7         The Chair noted the comments and put the recommendation to the vote.

61.8         RESOLVED: That the committee notes the council’s representations (appendices 1 and 2 of this report) to the Planning Inspectorate on the Rampion Offshore Windfarm and endorses these as representing the council’s formal response to the Planning Inspectorate.