July 20, 2007
England
England
Residents have given a controversial windfarm the thumbs down in a public consultation into the project, according to local councillors.
A public consultation into German-based EnergieKontor UK Ltd plans to build 24 giant wind turbines on the moors between Oswaldtwistle and Haslingden drew to a close today (Friday).
But councillors have said that they expect residents to have spoken out against the plans, which will be almost as tall as Blackpool tower.
Rossendale Council leader Duncan Ruddick said he was against the plan for this location and any other in the Valley.
He said: “The general reaction we have had from members of the public is that these turbines are not welcome here.
“The view is that they are not energy efficient, they will desecrate the landscape and that producing them is actually damaging to the environment. I am not convinced of the benefit of wind farms.
“If there are benefits they should be put out at sea where no one can see them and they don’t spoil the beautiful countryside.”
Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said that the proposal had split opinion in the community.
He said that the council had been encouraging people to write to them with their views before these were passed on to the energy company.
Hyndburn MP Greg Pope has previously spoken out against the development saying that windfarms should be built off-shore.
EnergieKontor UK Ltd said that while the consultation had finished they would still accept views from residents.
A planning application is still to be submitted for the scheme, which is also likely to go before a public enquiry.
Residents can have their say by writing to EnergieKontor UK at Conyngham Hall, Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AY or by email to judith.cornfield@ energie kontor.co.uk.
By Kate Turner
20 July 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/07/20/wind-turbines-are-not-welcome/