THE battle for the views from the waterfront along the Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Dorset coastlines is set to get bloody.

The announcement by those behind the giant Navitus Bay wind farm project do not appear to have soothed troubled waters with their announcement that the number of turbines is to be reduced.

Far from it.

The fact that the project will now be some 70 turbines less in number – reducing from 194 machines to 121 – has been offset by the fact the chosen turbines will be seven metres taller than the original models.

To be fair, it is doubtful that anything less than the total scrapping of the development is likely to appease some of those who are protesting against the green-energy scheme.

Along the coast in Bournemouth there is huge opposition to what civic leaders and tourism bosses there see as a threat to their vital visitor economy.

On the Island as well, the tourist buck is vital – even if here in Hampshire the industry is not so important. Yet whether tourism is at stake or just the view from the beach and cliff top, the anxiety is plain and understandable.

In the end, few dispute that we need more green energy if we are to cut back on carbon emissions.

But Navitus Bay must work harder if it wishes to win the argument.

This paper doubts whether it can.