Navitus Bay Wind Farm

Robert Syms Excerpts

Monday 15th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Richard Drax]

I entirely concur with my hon. Friend. I will flesh out the very point he raises shortly.

The UNESCO designation inscription states that world heritage sites should be

“transmitted, intact and unchanged, to future generations.”

UNESCO’s director of the world heritage centre, Kishore Rao, on advice from a UN advisory body, has warned of the wind farm’s impact, saying:

“from being located in a natural setting that is largely free from man-made structures to one where its setting is dominated by man-made structures”,

this, he added,

“could affect the long term viability”

of the site and therefore, ultimately, its designation.

[Mr Robert Syms (Poole) (Con)]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate. It was clear from the general election the strength of opposition in my constituency. This is a very real threat to yachting, birds, the community and the view.

[Richard Drax]

I entirely concur with my hon. Friend. The wildlife is important, and millions of people travel to enjoy our beautiful wild coastline because of the unspoilt view. It is one of the reasons for the world heritage designation.