Inquiry begins on controversial wind farm plan
A public inquiry is set to begin today into controversial proposals for a wind farm near West Wratting.
The inquiry comes after renewable energy firm Renewable Energy Systems (RES) appealed against a decision by South Cambridgeshire District Council to reject plans for the scheme at Wadlow Farm, which would see 13 120-metre turbines built on farmland near the village.
The district council rejected the proposal in June 2007 saying the benefits the scheme might bring did not outweigh the damage it would do to the surrounding landscape.
Amy Bambridge, community relations officer at RES, said: “We were very disappointed when the local council turned down the project as we showed quite clearly that this was the best site in that area for a wind farm.
“For targets to be met for renewable energy, projects like that need to go ahead.”
Mrs Bambridge said the wind farm would power 16,000 homes per year — taking into account fluctuations in wind.
She added: “It will be up to the planning inspector and we are hoping a fair decision will be made.”
Cllr Mark Russell, chairman of West Wratting Parish Council, which objected to the application along with several other parish councils in the area, said: “The main reason everyone objected to it is that it is the wrong sort of thing for the wrong place.
“Everyone is in favour of renewable energy but only when it is in the correct place. Offshore wind farms are better than onshore ones.”
The inquiry will sit from today until Friday and then from June 16-19 at the South Cambridgeshire District Council offices in Cambourne.
Members of the public are encouraged to come along and observe at any time.
The inspector has set aside time during the inquiry on Tuesday, June 16, for members of the public to present their concerns to him.
This session will be held at West Wickham Village Hall and will start at 4pm.
The inspector will visit the site on Thursday, June 18, and a blimp will be flown to illustrate the height of the proposed turbines.
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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