September 15, 2006
U.K.
U.K.
Approval has been given to a fiercely opposed planning application to site wind-testing equipment in a rural landscape near Tiverton. Members of Mid Devon District Council’s planning committee have agreed that London energy firm Coronation Power can fix an anemometer, which measures wind speed, at a site on Bickham Moor for 18 months.
Councillors have attached to the application a direction to the company that the “granting of planning permission for this temporary anemometer mast should not be interpreted as approval for a wind farm proposal on this site”. This direction is an attempt to calm the fears of campaigners.
More than 160 letters of opposition were sent to the council against the application. These included a list of objections from Oakford Parish Council, which has expressed its disappointment at the go-ahead being given.
The equipment is part of feasibility study into a possible wind farm in the area. If winds are strong and sustained, the company could press ahead with a scheme for four 410ft-high turbines.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2006/09/15/go-ahead-for-controversial-wind-testing-site/