COUNCILLORS have backed a report setting out Dorset County Council’s opposition to plans for a wind farm off the Dorset Coast.

Members of the council’s cabinet discussed the authority’s Local Impact Report, which details the expected effects of the proposed Navitus Bay Wind Park development on the county.

The document raised concerns over the impacts on the landscape and seascape, the World Heritage site status of the Jurassic Coast, Durlston Castle and the surrounding area, the local environment and seabed and tourism as well as looking at highways and transport issues.

Cllr Bill Trite said: “It would be criminal and philistine to disfigure this loveliest of English seascapes by the gigantic intrusion which is intended by the so-called Navitus Bay plan.”

Cllr Trite added: “This is the wrong kind of renewable energy in the wrong place.

“We are sacrificing so much that is good for the sake of a futile gesture that will benefit foreign companies and investors for the sake of no measureable benefit to the environment.”

However, Cllr Paul Kimber, from the Portland Tophill division, said that the Labour group on the council felt it was unable to support the response to the Navitus Bay project.

He said: “We do believe that this is something economically that should be considered much more.

“It could and will provide local jobs.”

Members of the cabinet agreed to support the submission of the Local Impact Report to the Examining Authority, with the examination process due to get under way later this month.