September 29, 2006
U.K.
U.K.
South Norfolk could become home to the region’s largest wind farm after it was revealed a company wants to build seven turbines, each taller than the London Eye, on farmland.
The wind farm will provide enough power for 80,000 homes.
The turbines will be 130m tall ““ slightly bigger than those being built at North Pickenham, near Swaffham, and the larger Swaffham ‘EcoTech’ turbine.
The wind farm, near Hempnall, is being planned by Enertrag UK, a German-owned company based in Diss.
South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon told the Diss Express yesterday: “This would absolutely wreck the area. The gentle rolling landscape and 130m shards of metal do not mix.
“I am not against onshore wind farms but they should be in inhospitable, unpopulated areas.”
Enertrag said it would be a minimum of nine months before it would consider putting in a planning application for the land.
Before then the company will carry out environmental surveys and an extensive public consultation.
One resident, who did not wish to be identified, said she thought the plans were excellent.
“It’s good to see more companies pushing to invest in this type of energy rather than relying on nuclear power stations,” she said. “I know that many in the village won’t like the idea and will see them as a blot on the landscape but, who knows, they may become a feature and encourage more people to visit.
“I think we should put aside our worries and support this. Far worse things could be built, like abattoirs and chicken-fuelled power plants.”
Other villagers said they were upset by the plans but did not wish to say anything more until the community had met to discuss the proposals.
Tim Mobbs, South Norfolk Council corporate director, said: “Enertrag has formally asked this council for advice on what facts it should include in any environmental impact statement that it would have to submit, if the company were to make a formal planning application.”
Enertrag said it would be involving the residents of Hempnall in the consultation process.
It will be holding public displays about the proposals and provide transport for villagers to take them to see the company’s turbines in North Pickenham.
Hempnall Parish Council said it was too early to comment on the proposals. It held a meeting last night at which the proposals for the land, north of Bungay Road and north and east of Bussey’s Loke, were due to be discussed.
The landowners involved have already agreed to the development.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2006/09/29/storm-brews-over-turbines/