Residents opposed to plans for a proposed tidal energy scheme are holding a meeting tonight (Thursday).

They are gathering at Ventnor Cricket Club, at 6.30pm.

As previously reported by the County Press, they say the Island's south coast is too good to spoil and they want to halt the delayed scheme, destined for for the sea off St Catherine's Point.

Scroll down for a link to current plans...

The Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre (PTEC) project has had permission from The Crown Estate since November 2012, outline permission for an onshore substation and cables since June 2015 and won the go ahead for its offshore plans, from the Marine Management Organisation, in April 2016.

It is supposed to be working by now and a change in government policy is being blamed for the hold up.

A new start date has been set for 2025 and a deal is already agreed to site O2 turbines off the Island, which look like aeroplanes lying on the surface of the water.

They would be 2.5 km south of St Catherine's, around 6 km from Ventnor, in an area 5km square.

Under the water, 12m blades 'sweep more than 900m to capture flowing tidal energy.'

Those opposed say they fear phase one will be the tip of the iceberg for the project.

Isle of Wight County Press: (L-r) residents Jenny Dominey, Linda Sullivan and John Whitehouse.

(L-r) residents Jenny Dominey, Linda Sullivan and John Whitehouse.

They told the County Press;: "The whole of south Wight, from Bonchurch to Freshwater, is effectively a carpark for up to 200 turbines, depending on the type of deployment.

"Some might lie flat on the surface, others might not.

"There will likely be berthing facilities and substations.

"The proposed tidal devices are the size of an A380 aeroplane. All will need to be lit, if they are treated like ships at anchor."

PTEC claims the environmental footprint of its project is one eighth the size of an equivalent wind farm and says it is 'not believed to harm marine life.'

PTEC argues its onshore substation/control room would be 'small' and 'sited sensitively to minimise visual impact.'

Residents want more environmental studies to be carried out, arguing the data currently being used is too old to be relevant.

Now, full planning permission is being sought for the onshore elements of the Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre, including for a substation and control room.

Comments need to be lodged with the Isle of Wight Council, where the phase one plans are advertised, on September 27.

"We need renewables, but not at any cost.

"This is not about where we live, but how we want to live.

"The marine environment matters, it is under huge stress, and we will need to fight to preserve and protect it and its adjacent landscapes," said residents.