June 28, 2007
England
England
A green energy producer is considering building a wind farm near Dickleburgh.
The news comes at the same time as a bitter battle is going on over a similar proposal less than ten miles away in Hempnall.
The Dickleburgh wind farm would be on farmland with seven 125-metre tall turbines – three to four times the height of an average church tower.
Lowestoft-based SLP Energy has submitted an application to South Norfolk Council to put up a 60-metre temporary meteorological mast on the proposed site, Upper Vaunce’s Farm, Semere Green Lane, bordering the villages of Dickleburgh, Rushall, Pulham St Mary, Pulham Market and the Tivetshalls, to see if it is suitable for wind energy generation.
SLP Energy spokesman Kerry Bradfield said: “This project is still in the very early stages and, as yet, we have only applied for permission to erect a temporary mast.
“If we found the site to be suitable for a wind farm, for example after Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and extensive consultation with statutory consultees, then we would hold a public exhibition.”
A meeting was held on Tuesday between the landowner, SLP Energy and those neighbouring the proposed site.
One person at the meeting, who did not wish to be named, said: “The atmosphere was fairly low key. Everyone seemed to be receptive, although concerns were raised.”
Pulham St Mary resident Kerri Worrall said: “The proposals have to be right for the people living in the surrounding area but in general, I am very supportive of renewable forms of energy and wind farms in particular.
“I think they are a beautiful and inspiring visual symbol that something is being done to preserve our electricity supplies when fossil fuels run out. I would be proud to live in a village where a wind farm had been embraced as a positive benefit to the community and the environment.”
Dickleburgh’s district councillor Martin Wilby said it was too early to comment but would welcome a public meeting by the parish council to discuss the proposals.
But a Dickleburgh resident, who did not wish to be named, said she expected many of the villagers to fight the plans.
“We don’t want our countryside spoilt by these hulking monstrosities,” she said.
South Norfolk Council is consulting parish and district councillors on the proposal and people have until July 18 to write or email to the district council with their views.
By Mark Lord
28 June 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/06/28/new-plans-for-village-wind-farm/