HUNDREDS gathered yesterday to link hands in a demonstration against the wind farm planned off the Isle of Wight.

The Navitus Bay wind farm, a joint venture by Dutch firm Eneco and French power company EDF Energy, could include up to 218 turbines.

Wind farm bosses scaled down the number, from a maximum 333, in December.

But each could still tower up to 200m. Opponents fear the offshore plant will ruin the coastline, jeopardise tourism, harm marine wildlife and hamper shipping.

Yesterday’s protest was held in Swanage.

Navitus Bay said in a statement: “It is important to recognise and respect the views of those demonstrating their support for or opposition to the proposals for the wind park.

“Navitus Bay is fully committed to working with and listening to the local community. That is why we would like to encourage as many local people as possible to get involved in the third round of consultation starting from February 1.”