September 13, 2007
England

Wind farm backlash

Campaigners have hit out at a proposed village wind farm.

The Stop Linton Wind Farm action group hosted a public meeting this week to air its opposition.

Renewable energy firm Enertrag wants to build eight wind turbines in Linton to power around a fifth of all homes in South Cambridgeshire.

A spokesman for the action group said: “Installation of these turbines would have a major impact on everyone living, working or travelling within 10km of the development.

“The turbines will dominate the appearance and character of our landscape and have the potential to adversely affect quality of life for thousands of people.

“We recognise and agree with the need to take action against climate change but are onshore wind farms the answer?”

More than 150 residents gathered at the meeting in Linton Village Hall, with 70 signing up to support the action group.

Spokesman Mike Barnard said: “At least people know what’s happening now and can see our point of view. From here we keep leafleting and organising further public meetings.”

The proposed site is on a ridge between Linton, The Abingtons, Hadstock and Great Chesterford. At the weekend, campaigners flew a blimp – small airship – over the site to highlight their protest.

Enertrag, which has staged its own consultation event in Linton, was not present at the public meeting.

David Linley, manager of projects for Enertrag, said: “There is usually a certain amount of opposition to projects such as this. We have consulted residents and are in the process of organising further public meetings in Linton to answer questions. The opposition in Linton is no greater than to other projects we have worked on.

“This wind farm could provide a twelfth of the total energy consumption across South Cambridgeshire and this is green power.

“The site chosen is non-classification, high for this area and a reasonable distance away from residential property.”

Enertrag is hoping to submit planning applications by the end of the year.

Exact dimensions of the turbines have yet to be determined but Enertag says the maximum height, including the blade tip, would be no greater than 125 metres.

Cambridge Evening News

13 September 2007


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/09/13/wind-farm-backlash/