Two 'blots on the landscape'
A second application to build a huge wind farm at West Hinkley has been submitted by Your Energy — sparking further fear amongst campaigners.
Nine turbines have now been proposed for the site on the West Somerset coastline which planners protected last year by throwing out the plans.
But while the Government’s Planning Inspectorate could yet overturn the decision and allow all 12 turbines to be built, Your Energy has also got alternative plans which would allow space for a Hinkley Point C AND a wind farm.
The resubmission of plans has come as no surprise to campaigners West Hinkley Action Group.
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Spokesman John Lucas said: “It doesn’t take a genius to work out what the plan is.
“The new application will remove the three turbines that were to be built on land originally set aside for the construction of Hinkley C, thus clearing the way for a new nuclear power station.
“Because of the poor wind resource at Hinkley, the installed capacity of the wind farm will be reduced from 33MW down to 18MW and instead of meeting the needs of 20,000 homes, as originally claimed by the company, the wind farm will now only meet the needs of 8,132.”
The month-long meeting of Government planners in January will dictate Your Energy’s next move.
Concerns were raised during the planning meeting over the dangers of potential blade throw, visual impact on the landscape, and the effect on wildlife in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
But the resubmission takes the potentially dangerous turbines away from the power station, eradicating a major safety issue from the application.
Holford resident Sue Goss said: “Having both a nuclear power station and a wind farm would create two blots on the landscape.
“A Hinkley Point C would bring jobs and economic benefits as well power to over one million homes.”
Richard Mardon, managing director of the energy company,has this week spoken about his new bid.
See the Mercury on Tuesday, October 31.
By Ben Pike
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