A union is seeking assurances that local jobs will be created should plans for the Rampion off-shore wind farm be given the go-ahead.

Energy firm EON is hoping to build an offshore wind farm off the coast of Brighton and Newhaven that would see between 100 to 195 wind turbines eight miles out to sea.

The Rampion wind farm would generate enough energy to power more than two out of every three homes in Sussex, including the whole of Brighton and Hove, and would be one of the largest wind farms in the world.

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But while plans for the farm are still revised, the GMB union has announced it wants assurances local jobs will be created if the project goes ahead.

GMB says it suspects the farm’s turbines would be sourced in Germany or Denmark and that residents of Sussex would see a rise in their energy bills if the project went ahead.

Gary Smith, GMB national secretary for energy, said: “GMB is calling for an audit and assurances on jobs from the proposed wind farm off Brighton.

“GMB want the facts from EON as we suspect that the turbines will be sourced in Germany or Denmark.

“Where is the up side for the UK economy if the turbines are made on the continent, brought over on Dutch barges and connected with cables manufactured in China?

“There is a skilled workforce in the UK to build this major infrastructure site and it must be used.

“Offshore wind is not cheap and GMB believes that the people in Sussex will see their bills rise as a result.

“German company EON will be assured a good return on their investment but there could be no local economic benefit in terms of jobs creation.”

Various meetings will be held by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate to examine EON’s application.

The first three will be held on Wednesday, October 30, Thursday, October 31 and November 1 at 9.30am at the Brighton Centre syndicate wing one and two.

A development consent order and deemed marine licence hearing will take place on Wednesday, November 6 and Thursday, November 7 at the Brighton Centre auditorium.

Further hearings will take place throughout November and December, a full list of which is available at planningportal.gov.uk – application reference number EN010032.

Despite numerous requests, EON declined to comment on GMB’s concerns.