Firm appeals over Fritwell wind farm
Controversial plans for a wind farm just outside Bicester will be decided at a public inquiry.
Cherwell district councillors voted unanimously to refuse planning permission for the £`10m scheme on land at Willowbank Farm, between Fewcott and Fritwell.
But Bolsterstone, the firm behind the plans, has lodged an appeal and the scheme will now be decided by a planning inspector in the spring.
Each turbine would stand 410ft tall – twice the height of Nelson’s Column.
Opponents say they are worried about the size of the turbines and their proximity to homes, construction traffic, wildlife impact, and possible TV interference.
Ian Corkin, of Ardley with Fewcott Parish Council, which led the successful campaign to get councillors to reject the initial application, said villagers would rally to fight the appeal.
He added: “We are taking advice at the moment but we will certainly be drawing everyone into the campaign.
“When we organised the campaign for Cherwell District Council we could use physical and emotive issues to win the day.
“With the planning inspector, we will have to take a more forensic approach.”
“The core of what we said before has still not gone away.”
He said the turbines would be visible from as far away as the Cotswolds.
In April, Cherwell’s planning committee went against its officers’ recommendation and threw out the proposals.
Area district councillor Catherine Fulljames and colleague James Mcnamara will speak at the appeal. She said: “I hope the people who felt strongly about it at the Cherwell planning meeting will be there for the appeal, because they certainly conducted a very good campaign.”
Mike Corker, director of Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Innovative Energy, said: “The original environmental work we did was reviewed by the council, and reviewed by land use consultants on behalf of the council, and officers recommended it for approval.
“It was only members who decided against it.
“Since then we have had work reviewed again by other consultants who again have not found any fault with it.”
The firm says the wind farm could produce enough energy to power 5,380 homes a year.
By Sam McGregor
Bicester Advertiser
26 November 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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