THE opposition group against the wind farm planned for the Dorset coast has challenged the validity of a 3D model being used to show people what it might look like.

Challenge Navitus says the model, which is being shown at Navitus Bay Development Limited’s public exhibitions around the area, is misleading.

Dr Andrew Langley, a scientist in mathematical modelling who co-founded Challenge Navitus, said: “We have conducted a technical review of NBDL’s computer graphics and identified problems which we believe will mislead the public on the visual impact of NBDL’s proposal.

“One key point is that the resolution of NBDL’s 3D display is less than one sixth of what the human eye can resolve, so the turbines are much less visible than they should be. It’s a bit like seeing something out of focus.

“I spoke to Mike Unsworth, the project director, last Saturday and voiced some of my concerns.

“Since then, I have written to him detailing the problems and requested that NBDL take immediate action.

“We are obviously concerned at the large number of people who have already seen NBDL’s 3D model at the exhibitions and on their website.”

Challenge Navitus has put a new video on its own website and Dr Langley encouraged people to compare Challenge Navitus’ images and videos with NBDL’s.

“Wind farm simulations are never perfect, and it is important to relate what you see to the real-life view, but we try hard to be accurate and use the latest scientific research when computing our pictures,” he said.

Mike Unsworth, NBDL project director, said he recognised there were limitations to the 3D model.

He added: “This is why we encourage all members of the public who view the 3D model to also look at our detailed viewpoint photomontages when attending the consultation, which have been designed using industry guidance.”

But he said the model used accurate terrain mapping, aerial images and engineering drawings and was shown on a 60in HD TV.

Mr Unsworth said positive comments from those both for and against the park were forthcoming.

“In light of this positive feedback and the considerable efforts made to ensure the 3D model is as realistic as technically possible, we will continue to use it at our public consultation events along the coast.

“We have decided to temporarily remove the 3D fly-through videos on our website to give further consideration as to how they can best-presented to maximise their benefit.”