The move could create up to 85 full time permanent jobs with the majority being recruited locally. It would also see part of Newhaven Port being modernised and redeveloped through E.ON’s investment in the new facility, which would support the operation and maintenance of the proposed offshore wind farm.

Chris Tomlinson, E.ON Development Manager for the project, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be able to announce that we’ll be partnering with Newhaven Port if the Rampion project gets the go ahead. It’s an ideal location to support the wind farm due to its proximity and accessibility to site, and the amount of space available.”

Captain François Jean, Port Manager, Newhaven Port & Properties, said: “This is great news for Newhaven Port and we’re delighted to be chosen as the home of the Rampion offshore wind farm, if it is given planning approval. This decision will kick start our plans for the regeneration of Newhaven Port and begin a new era for our wider plans to create a hub of clean, green power generation.”

The operations and maintenance base would contain office space, equipment storage and vessel mooring which would be used by a team dedicated to operating and maintaining the wind farm for the lifetime of the project; potentially 50 years. A separate planning application would need to be made to the local planning authority for the O&M site before the development could take place.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the proposed offshore wind farm should visit www.eon-uk.com/rampion, email rampion@eon.com or call 01273 694 876.