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A council leader has said the building of what could be the worlds largest windfarm off the Kent coast could bring vital benefits the local area. 

The Leader of Dover District Council has spoken of the significant benefits to the area of two major wind farm projects off the coast of Kent, which were given Government backing at the end of last year.

The London Array, potentially the world's biggest wind farm, is awaiting permission for a sub station at Swale. An appeal is due to go to Public Inquiry in March. The Thanet Offshore Wind Farm has been given the all clear and work is set to begin on up to 100 wind turbines, with electricity brought ashore to a substation at Richborough. The projects are set to bring hundreds of jobs during the construction phase, there will be a need for continued maintenance of turbines and sub-stations, and it is hoped that the development of a maritime-based education facility will be supported.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council said: 'We support the principle behind these projects, which would meet a great deal of Kent's energy needs and reduce pollution. They have the potential to provide marine engineering employment, as well as further education and higher education training within the area. All in all, the economic and conservation advantages will probably outweigh the built environment issues, which are currently holding up the London Array project.'