January 30, 2008
England
England
Morwenstow residents are this week beginning the final round of their fight to stop three 81-metre high wind turbines being built in their parish.
The application was refused earlier this year by North Cornwall District Council (NCDC) by 12 votes to 0 but an appeal was lodged by West Coast Energy, the developers of the nearby wind farm at Bradworthy.
Yesterday the Planning Inspector began an inquiry into the matter at the Parkhouse Centre, Bude. It is expected to last four days and representatives from NCDC and Morwenstow Against Turbines ( MAT) will be among those giving evidence.
MAT chairman John Moxey said the reasons for NCDC’s refusal were clear: “The turbines would be sited on one of the highest parts of North Cornwall and would be seen for miles around, they would impact adversely with the turbines already operating at Bradworthy and they would maim and kill several species of rare and protected birds and bats.”
Mr Moxey said those opposed to the development would be raising concerns about noise, the effect upon the tranquility of the area which is an Area of Great Landscape Value and abuts an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Concerns are also expected to be expressed about the effect upon local homes, residents and bats.
MAT maintains there are several rare species of bats which use the proposed site for foraging and commuting.
Campaigners have been fighting for the past three years to try to prevent the turbines being built.
Mr Moxey said until about four months ago costs had been kept low with the help of volunteers but now the group was incurring legal costs. Support from the community had been “incredible” with donations from £5 to £500.
30 January 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/01/30/residents-begin-final-round-of-turbine-protest/