THE team bidding to build a wind farm off the Dorset coast has announced the next step in its controversial £3bn plan.

Navitus Bay Development Ltd (NBDL) has submitted a planning application for the wind park 12 miles off the Bournemouth coast.

The scheme, a joint venture by Dutch company Eneco and French power firm EDF Energy, could include up to 218 turbines each towering at up to 650ft.

Now the company is planning to hold a fourth round of consultation across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight in the next step in attempts to build the 67 square mile farm.

The firm has signalled its intent to press ahead with the proposals by organising public exhibitions in towns and communities along the south coast in September before it submits plans to the Secretary of State.

The company says it has listened so far, altering plans that came under fire for threatening tourism, marine life and shipping safety.

Opponents have criticised previous drawings and models of the proposal, claiming they do not paint a realistic picture of what the turbines look like.

And David Lloyd, of Challenge Navitus, has once again urged residents to come out in force to make their voices heard over the plans.

He said: “This is just a bad plan that has been ill thought through in completely the wrong area and we hope they will withdraw them when they realise how strong the opposition is.

“If people are opposed to the industrialisation of our coastline then they must put their opposition in writing to the developer and also copy the letter to their MP and local councillors. Then their views will be reflected in the decision that it taken by central government.”

Consultation sessions take place on September 13 at Lymington Community Centre from 2pm to 8pm and on September 20 at New Milton Community Centre from 2pm to 8pm.

• September 12 at Captain’s Club, Christchurch from 2pm to 8pm.

• September 17 at St Edward’s Church Hall, Swanage from 2pm to 8pm.

• September 18 at Poole Lighthouse from 2pm to 8pm.

• September 19 at West Moors Memorial Hall from 2pm to 8pm.

• September 21 at Bournemouth International Centre from 10am to 4pm.