January 2, 2008
England

Wind farm protest stepped up

Residents fighting plans which could see a wind farm appear on picturesque Bickerton Hills have stepped up their bid to stop it.

Families living in close proximity to the proposed site held a meeting on Thursday as they face Banks Developments Ltd’s plans for a 60-metre high wind-monitoring mast on land off Long Lane.

The proposal is for a temporary period of three years for wind speed data to be collected to see if the site is suitable for a wind farm and is the first application of its type in the district.

Objectors saying it will be a blot on South Cheshire’s rural landscape. Resident Kate Reeves said: “There was a very good turnout to the meeting and it just showed how very strongly locals feel about this. There were no detractors at all. They are all very, very angry.”

A committee and a “fighting fund” have been set up in response to the plans so that all monies needed in the search for legal advice against the plans can be embraced.

Cllr Stan Davies “called in” the application to be discussed at committee level and says it would be unsuitable in an area of special county value where tourism is being encouraged.

It was to be heard at December’s Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council planning meeting but it was deferred for a site visit, which is due to take place tomorrow.

A spokesman for Banks Developments Ltd said: “The development is clearly of a short-term nature and has the ability to be fully decommissioned at the end of the operable period.

“Any effects on the open countryside or areas of special county value would be completely reversible after decommissioning.”

Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council says its policy is to look to encourage any form of renewable energy but not to compromise amenity or allow visual intrusion.

by James A. Oliver

Crewe Chronicle

2 January 2008


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/01/02/wind-farm-protest-stepped-up/