The council says it should be compensated for the impact of a new offshore wind farm as there is “no proposed economic or other benefit” to the city.

Developers of the Rampion 2 wind farm should provide a “package of compensation” centred around the city’s tourism sector if their plans are to be approved, Brighton and Hove City Council said

It wants the developers to support the Madeira Terraces restoration project and other seaside projects.

Rampion hit back saying the current wind farm already attracts thousands of tourists a year.

Councillor Alan Robins, chairman of the tourism committee, said: “If the Planning Inspectorate approves the scheme, we believe that a package of compensation for the city focused on further improvements to the seafront as a tourism asset, and in particular supporting the Madeira Terrace project, should be part of the legal agreement.

“As a major tourist destination the future of Brighton and Hove’s economy and many jobs depends on tourism. This development will affect our coastline but currently without any compensation being proposed for the city.

"Renewable energy also holds the key to bringing down energy bills and putting money back into the people’s pockets. We want to play our role in the region working towards net zero and providing clean energy to potentially 1,000,000 more homes.”

The council said the new wind farm project will be “clearly visible” on the coastline with turbines 325m tall.

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The project is currently before the Planning Inspectorate.

Rampion 2, which is run by German company RWE, will be an expansion of up to 90 turbines eight miles off the coast of Littlehampton.

The turbines will be much larger than Rampion 1’s, with a maximum tip height 325 metres above lowest tide compared with 140 metres.

The plans also include the offshore cable route which would bring power ashore under Climping Beach and run up to Cowfold and the national electricity network at Bolney.

In response to the calls for compensation, a spokeswoman for Rampion said: “The operating Rampion wind farm has proved to be an attraction in the local area. The Rampion Visitor Centre located on Brighton seafront attracts nearly 20,000 visitors a year, in addition to the 270 Sussex school visits accommodated, to date.

“A number of independent charter boats in Brighton Marina have also diversified their businesses to meet the demand of visitors, keen to take a trip out to see the Rampion Wind Farm.

“Rampion 2’s development consent order application is the culmination of nearly three years of consultation with the Sussex community and statutory bodies, including Brighton and Hove City Council who we continue to engage with as part of our outline skills and employment strategy.

“Adequacy of the consultation is one of the key tests which had to be met before the Planning Inspectorate accepted the application for examination in September 2023.”