Clacton could become home to the world's largest offshore wind farm.

A bid for planning permission has now been put before Tendring Council for 30 giant wind turbines to be built 7km out to sea on the narrow Gunfleet Sands.

The turbines would produce enough electricity to supply 85,000 homes. It is also hoped the farm would boost jobs and act as an added tourist attraction.

The application follows the permission granted in January by Crown Estates to develop the farm.

If planning permission is granted, work onshore will start in the autumn of next year.

The proposed work offshore would begin in 2004 and take an estimated four to six months to complete.

The public has already been given the chance to view the proposals and talk with experts but anyone will have a chance to air their views up until January 30

Published Monday, December 16, 2002

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