March 16, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
Hopes are high a decision will be made this month on whether to allow three wind turbines to be built in the heart of the Hawker country.A site visit was held by district planners last week to look at proposals by West Coast Energy to place three 81-metre wind turbines near Crimp, just outside Morwenstow.
A public meeting followed the visit which was attended by hundreds of people.
Although West Coast Energy says the project has community benefits and will help North Cornwall meet its renewable energy targets, campaigners have spent more than two years fighting the plans.
Members of MAT – Morwenstow Against Turbines – say they have carried out thorough research and cannot find any reason for having wind turbines in this area.
The site visit was held on Friday morning followed by a public meeting in the community centre.
MAT chairman John Moxey said:
“The turnout was far greater than our wildest expectations and the result proved the depth of feeling in the South West over concerns of the effect these machines would have on the landscape, wildlife and the quality of life for residents and visitors.”
More than 200 people took part in the lively debate which lasted more than two hours.
Mr Moxey said he believed about 95% voted against the application.
“This isn’t the end of the matter. The planning committee has to consider the application at its next meeting – probably at the end of this month – but whatever it decides, at least members will know what the community feel.”
* Just over the border in North Devon, British wind energy company Coronation Power, is proposing to site up to four turbines at Wheelers Cross, just over a mile east of Bradworthy. A planning application has not yet been submitted.
By Kathryn Fell
15 March 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/03/16/wind-turbine-decision-expected-this-month/