The project's capacity has been repeatedly cut. Last year, the project's developers reduced it from 970MW to 630MW as part of an alternative planning submission.
When first proposed, Navitus Bay was set for 333 turbines. This was cut to 218 in 2012 and reduced again in February 2014 to 194-105 turbines.
Bournemouth Council said the most recent amendments should be considered as a new application. It gave a number reasons for this.
Firstly, it claims there needs to be a new consultation with businesses about the impact on tourism despite the cut in turbine numbers. It added there should be another public consultation for the same reason.
Lastly, it believes the reduction in size constitutes a new project.
The project has attracted widespread criticism from local politicians and claims that the Unesco status of Dorset's Jurassic coast could be affected by the project. Unesco has denied this is the case.
Several district councils have objected, arguing the development would adversely affect tourism to the area. A record 2,680 "representations" have been received by the Planning Inspectorate from interested parties about the development — more than any other offshore wind development handled by the authority.
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