REJECTION of the Cheverton Down wind farm plan would hit the future of wind turbine energy and research on the Isle of Wight, according to the applicants.
Steve Allen, development manager at Cornwall Light and Power, said refusal of the project would limit the ability of Vestas to undertake research and development on the Island and would limit its options in terms of investment and opportunities to expand.
"The wind energy industry is vital to the Isle of Wight and the Island’s economy is directly linked to the development of wind turbines in the UK," he said.
"At a time when renewable energy is high on the international agenda ahead of the climate change conference in Copenhagen, this development would send a strong message to renewable energy companies who may be looking to invest in the Island."
Turbine supporters claim that to refuse the application is a refusal of Eco Island itself.
"The reputation of the council is going to be irretrievably dented if it does not put aside its ridiculous grudge against turbines and start making decisions that will benefit the entire population of the Island," said Kerri Trickey, the founder of the Island Turbine Action Group (ITAG).
"My disappointment is beyond words. Whatever happened to Eco-Island? Whatever happened to meeting 2020 targets? It is not difficult to answer these questions — the Isle of Wight Council refused them."
In a report, released ahead of a special meeting of the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee on Thursday, officers are recommending councillors refuse the plans submitted by Cornwall Light and Power and blademaker Vestas on the basis of the turbines’ scale and prominent position.
They say the 125-metre-high structures would have a significant visual impact and cause substantial harm to the landscape character of Shorwell’s area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and parts of the heritage coast.
Planners conclude there is insufficient information to show there are significant over-riding socio-economic benefits to out-weigh the detrimental impact.
Of the 2,000 letters received by the council, around 1,300 were against the application and 900 in favour.
John Gallimore, chairman of The Wight Against Rural Turbines (ThWART), said the report emphasised the importance of the AONB and the heritage coast as well as the intimate character and landform of the Isle of Wight.
"In particular, the report shows the application is contrary to national, regional and local planning policies.
"As we have said throughout this process, this is a wholly inappropriate site for industrial-scale wind turbines."
Thursday’s meeting, which starts at 6pm, will be held at Carisbrooke High School rather than the council chamber as it is expected to attract a large public audience.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk