Wind farm inquiry protests
The public inquiry into the proposed Gorsedd Bran windfarm development began this week and was met with fierce opposition from local residents.
The appeal by Tegni Cymru Cyf against Denbighshire County Council to grant planning permission for the construction of 13 wind turbines, control room and access, is being held at Denbigh Town Hall.
Around 40 residents attended the beginning of the inquiry on Monday with placards of protest and wanting answers to their many questions.
Solicitor Marcus Trinick was representing Tegni Cymru Cyf and had scheduled witnesses to tackle the noise, planning and landscape/visual issues.
The county council was represented by barrister Alan Evans, Cllr Paul Marfleet, Cllr Jane Yorke and planning consultant Iwan Evans.
Many residents had taken time out from their work for the whole week and were prepared to fight the development which would be situated near the operational Tir Mostyn site which has 25 turbines.
Jenny Sandle, Hilary Sidelmann and Anne Smith, who all live a few miles from the proposed site, said it was not about nimbyism but claimed that other renewable energy sources like tidal were being passed by.
“We should be reducing our consumption that’s the way forward,” said MrsSindelmann whose home was flooded two years ago which she believes is due to the deforestation the current turbines have caused.
Mrs Sandle said she cannot sit outside her home due to the noise of the Tir Mostyn site and believes this development will be louder as it is near prevailing winds.
Local residents Richard Welch, Ian Gardener and Mike Skuse assembled themselves to inform the public of the meeting and were asked to act as the first point of public questioning to Tegni Cymru Cyf.
Mr Skuse said Conwy Borough Council had not even informed their residents that the inquiry was taking place.
Public questioning was scheduled for Wednesday, October 7 and would continue into the night if needed.
Published by: Adele Forrest
7 October 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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