October 18, 2007
England

More objections to wind turbines

Further objections have been made to plans to build four giant wind turbines near Hemsby.

The Broads Authority planning committee has joined Hemsby villagers and Ormesby St Margaret parish councillors in voicing its opposition to SLP Energy’s scheme for the 125m high turbines.

The objections came at its committee meeting last Friday amid concerns about the detrimental impact on the countryside, outweighing the Authority’s need to promote green energy.

A report prepared by Broads Authority planning assistant Andrew Fillmore stated the development would also affect the ecology of the area, with large bird and bat populations at the wind farm site in an area known as the Trinity Broads which is bordered by Hall Farm Fen to the north, an area of fen grazing stretching to Hemsby.

Mr Fillmore said the importance of promoting sustainable energy had been considered particularly as the Broads were in an area that could be badly affected by rising sea levels due to climate change, but that this was outweighed by the visual impact.

The rejection is another setback to the renewable energy developer after residents packed into Hemsby Football Club Pavilion to grill SLP Energy representatives at the end of September.

Villagers highlighted their concerns ranging from noise to fears the ‘green’ technology would be ineffective, although supporters say the four turbines would be able to supply 5500 homes.

The plans are currently out to consultation and Great Yarmouth Borough Council needs to speak to Norfolk County Council, English Heritage and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust before making a decision.

Senior borough council planner Dean Minns said it would be some time before the matter was brought before committee because of the number of responses they needed to co-ordinate. Because of the complexity of the plan a 16 week consultation period was underway and people still had time to send planners their comments, he added.

Great Yarmouth Mercury

18 October 2007


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/10/18/more-objections-to-wind-turbines/