March 10, 2008
England
England
Battle lines are being drawn over plans for giant wind turbines in Gillingham.
Green energy company Ecotricity has mounted a series of public exhibitions for proposals to build wind turbines at Silton.
Plans are currently being displayed at Gillingham Library until March 25.
Dale Vince, the managing director of Ecotricity, said the “silent majority” of people would consider the application on its ability to generate clean electricity.
“Most people appreciate turbines for the job they do,” said Mr Vince.
Environmental disaster was an inevitable consequence of not using greener methods of power production, he added.
“We are going to have to change the way we live, or the other change we will have is climate change,” said Mr Vince.
Protesters met with North Dorset MP Bob Walter in near-by Milton last month to assess the visual impact of the giant windmills.
“This reinforces my view that while I believe in renewable energy, it shouldn’t be at the expense of beautiful open countryside,” said Mr Walter.
The parliamentarian said he hoped his help to campaigners would match that given in previous campaigns against wind parks planned for the Winterbourne Valley.
“We had two applications for wind farms,” said Mr Walter. “One was withdrawn completely.
“The other went to planning and I was able to speak at the planning meeting.”
Campaigner Dee Worlock said she had fought against proposals for turbines in Somerset and hoped her experience would help people in Gillingham.
“When the Cucklington application came up, I was very sympathetic. I have grandchildren,” said Mrs Worlock.
“But when you go into it, you have to consider the defacement of the countryside, the enormous plinths, and the fact that they don’t work for much of the time,” she added.
By Timothy John
10 March 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/03/10/battle-lines-drawn-in-wind-turbines-debate/