Could a planned wind farm for Navitus Bay on the Dorset Coast mean that this area of outstanding beauty could lose its hard won World Heritage Status? A government minister said that there was no ‘imminent danger’ and that UNESCO had made no official view on the matter.

However local MP for Bournemouth West, Conor Burns, was concerned that the proposed site consisting of 194 turbines, each up to 200m in height and would be sighted within full view of the Jurassic Coast. The project managers have said that it was aware of the concerns that were being raised and that they were being assessed.

The project could have a significant impact on the tourism economy of Dorset, with over five million trips being made to the area since it received its World Heritage listing. Even though the government insists that the coast was not considered under threat by UNESCO it is considered to be a significant issue for those who could be affected if the project goes ahead. He added that the area’s status on the World Heritage list was due to its unique geological conditions, and not on its natural beauty, but did indicate that “the need to protect the natural beauty of these areas will be considered as part of the planning process”.

While it is true that UNESCO has not officially commented, The International Union for Conservation of Nature, an advisory body to UNESCO, has recently written to then raising concerns.

So if you want to experience this area of the country without any intrusions on the views then you might want to do so sooner than later, and don’t forget to use the opportunity to wear your new Regatta Action Trousers when you do.