A major consultation is being launched on Monday to ensure people have their say on plans to extend a large wind farm off the north Suffolk coast.

The proposed project is for a 504 megawatt extension to the Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm, which is currently being constructed 30km off Sizewell, near Southwold.

Called the Galloper Wind Farm the extension would see up to 140 wind turbines installed along with offshore electricity substations, accommodation and meteorological masts.

It will also feature a number of onshore elements, including a substation, to allow the energy produced to feed into the national grid- but not through new overhead power cables.

The proposed project has been put forward by electricity companies SSE and RWE Npower Renewables.

The consultation runs from Monday until July 14.

As part of the consultation public exhibitions of the Galloper Wind Farm will be held at Leiston United Reform Church on Friday from 4pm to 8pm and from 10am to 2pm the following day.

A spokesman for the energy companies said: 'The consultation is designed to allow local people to have a look at the proposals and have a chat with the project team.

'It is important for us to consult with the local community and get them involved with our proposal.'

For further information on the consultation and how to take part visit wwww.galloperwindfarm.com

Work on the Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm began in 2009. It is set to be completed by 2012 with the potential to power 530,000 homes.