DORSET residents had the chance to grill experts about a proposed offshore wind farm planned for the county’s coastline.

Energy company Eneco put on a display at Weymouth Pavilion’s Ocean Room in a bid to answer questions and concerns from local residents about the project.

The company is proposing to build the wind farm 15km to 35km off the Lulworth coastline in the English Channel by 2018 in a bid to power around 615,000 homes.

Eneco’s environment manager, Andrew Prior, told the Dorset Echo: “The reaction we’ve had is really positive.

“People are very interested in renewable energy and where it is coming from.

“We’ve had some concerns from yachtsmen as to what it will mean for them but we’ve been able to reassure them they will be able to sail through the area.”

Mr Prior said the proposed farm would be ‘barely visible’ from the Lulworth coastline but would provide enough electricity to power around 615,000 homes.

He added that Portland Port would be an ‘excellent location’ to build the turbines needed for the project but that any port wanting to do the work will have to put in a competitive bid.

He said: “In terms of using an English port for the project, the only other location that we could use would be Southampton, but we’re also looking at northern French ports as a possible base to do the work.”

Mr Prior told the Echo that even if Portland Port was unsuccessful in bidding for the three-year turbine construction project it was still well placed as a base for the 25-year operations and maintenance part of the project.

Commenting on Eneco’s display, John Matthews, of Wyke Regis, said: “I think any renewable energy project is good for the country.

“It’s possible there are going to be remarks from people about sailing and motor cruising but I believe it’s a well worthwhile project.

“I think it’s important for local people to get involved and back it.”

Reg Hanbury, of Piddletren-thide, said: “My particular interest in this project is where the electricity comes ashore and will that mean there’s a great series of electricity pylons stretching through the countryside?

“Other than that concern, I would far rather have offshore than onshore power generation but it is an expensive method.”

Mike Kelly, of Lanehouse, Weymouth, said: “It’s early days for this project but I’m in favour of it.

“I think if we can stay away from using coal and gas where possible that’s a good thing.

“I’m also not personally comfortable with nuclear power but I’m in favour of projects like this wind farm and tidal energy.

“I’m optimistic that this will be a good prospect for the county.”