FRIENDS of the Earth says its support for a £3 billion wind farm due to be built off the Hampshire coast is “not unconditional”.

Executive director Andy Atkins said the group was awaiting results of an environmental impact study into plans to build 300 wind turbines nine miles from Barton-on-Sea.

He added: “On the current evidence I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t proceed, provided proper mitigation measures are put in place. The key thing is that local communities are given an input and that proper consideration is given to their views.”

Mr Atkins said: “It’s a myth that wind farms don’t generate much power. This one could produce enough energy to supply more than 800,000 homes.”

Mr Atkins was speaking at Taddiford Gap, where power generated by the Navitus Bay project will come ashore. A 35km underground cable will link the site with two sub-stations near West Moors and Three Legged Cross in Dorset.

Representatives from Eneco, the company behind the project, said they were consulting Natural England and other organisations.