Tidal energy production on the Isle of Wight has been given a partial green light.
Planners have recommended the onshore elements be approved.
Officers have recommended the Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC) substation, control room and cable installation be approved — with 26 conditions and three suggestions — at Flowers Brook, Steephill Road in Ventnor.
The application will be heard at the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee next Tuesday (December 14).
Permission had been granted in 2015 but due to funding challenges, it lapsed and permission for homes and holiday lodges has been given instead.
Moving to a different part of the site, next to the pumping station and on Southern Water land, PTEC is once again trying to get the operation up and running with the onshore facilities the last step before it generates tidal energy.
If it were to be approved by the committee, PTEC said it plans to start construction in 2023 and be operational by 2025.
It is estimated PTEC could provide clean energy for up to 15,700 homes, just over 20 per cent of the Island’s housing.
However, 79 people have raised concerns and objections with the council, including Ventnor Town Council, who said there would be a loss of visual and recreational amenity, the proximity to houses, noise levels and disturbance of wildlife.
Officers say mitigating factors like a £19,800 biodiversity contribution, habitat reinstatement plan, replanting scheme and ways of masking the noise levels would help.
An issue remains with the IW Red Squirrel Ltd, which owns the land the entrance to the site is on and has refused PTEC rights of access or to carry out work on their land while they still own it.
The Isle of Wight Council does have a minority financial interest in PTEC and the planning committee is required to determine the application to ensure the decision is made in an open and transparent manner.
Engine Problems Lead To Yarmouth RNLI Callout To Osborne Bay
Ryde Academy Students Donate To Two Worthy Causes At Christmas
Road Improvement Works To Get Underway From The Very Start Of The New Year
Isle of Wight Youth Trust Benefits From Big Give Support
Council Chair 'Furious' Over Floating Bridge Replacement Fiasco
Fire Service Travel To Island Contributes To Huge Budget Overspend
Department Approaching Completion In Ryde As Opening Date Announced
Guidance Issued Over Sharps Disposal As Waste Teams At Risk
Police Warnings Over E-Scooters Ahead Of Christmas Day
Controversial Freshwater Housing Proposal Turned Down
Rare Mantis Shrimp Discovery Made In Waters Off Isle Of Wight
Man In 50s Confirmed Dead Following Newport Crash
Pedestrian In Hospital With Serious Injuries Following Early Morning Motorcycle Crash
Cowes Stately Home To Have Facilities Upgraded As Part Of Approved Renovation
Ofsted Deliver Glowing Report For 'Welcoming' And 'Highly Ambitious' Island Primary School
Help Available For Islanders To Cut Energy Bills
Cowes Lifeboat Performs Mid-Solent Rescue Of Fishing Boat
Christmas Shopping With A Difference In Ryde – Half A Mile Out To Sea!
Home-From-Home' Nursery Given 'Outstanding' Ofsted Grade
