June 13, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
An action group formed to fight controversial plans for 26 giant wind turbines in Congham is stepping up its campaign to have the scheme scrapped.
The group ““ Against Congham Turbines (ACT) ““ was formed following a packed public meeting in March when more than 250 residents from surrounding villages attended to discuss the proposal.
ACT has produced and delivered 4,000 leaflets about the scheme to homes in eight villages including Pott Row, Gayton, Hillington, Castle Rising and Massingham.
And residents will be given the opportunity to air their views at a public meeting to be held at Grimston church, from 7.30pm on Thursday, July 5.
If the plans go ahead, a two-mile-long stretch of farmland between Congham and Little Massingham, owned by local farmer Michael Mason, has been earmarked.
International renewable energy operator Iberdrola, of Spain, is behind the scheme and UK-based Hyder Consulting is preparing an environmental report to assess its impact.
The turbines could have 67-metre (220ft) towers ““ three times higher
than Grimston church tower ““ and be 110 metres wide, although a planning application it yet to be lodged with West Norfolk Council.
Mr Anthony Clifton Brown, ACT chairman, said: “The initial response was so great we had to form a smaller working group to keep things more manageable.
“The group has been working since the initial public meeting to gather information about wind turbines, their impact on local communities, the environment and the landscape.
“This information has now been put together and action is being taken to inform residents. We have tried to be as balanced as we can but unfortunately
neither the landowner, Mr Mason, or Iberdrola have responded to a number of written inquiries from both the ACT and Congham Parish Council about their intentions.”
Mr James Innes, senior project manager at Iberdrola said: “It is very early days and the project is still at the consulting stage.”
He said the company had replied to inquiries but it would not meet with residents until a decision had been reached.
“Once a site is selected we will engage with community groups to assess any issues or problems they have,” he added.
The group also plan to have an information stall at Congham Fete, on Saturday, July 21.
To find out more, visit www.againstconghamturbines.com, or to become more involved, write to the ACT secretary Mr Robin Tims at Flint Cottage, Congham, Norfolk PE32 1DS.
Alternatively, email him at robintims@flintcot.fsnet.co.uk
Mr Mason was not available to comment.
12 June 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/06/13/congham-action-group-steps-up-fight-against-turbines/