March 12, 2008
England

Inspector to deliver turbine view

Recommendations on whether a 70m (230ft) wind turbine should be built on the Sussex Downs will be made next month, it has been announced.

Glyndebourne Opera House wants to construct a 850kw turbine, which it says will generate the equivalent of its entire annual electric consumption.

Planning inspector Dr Andrew Pykett heard evidence for and against the plan at a public inquiry earlier this month.

Lewes council said he would deliver his view on or after 21 April.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears will make the final decision on the turbine, which the opera house wants to build on Mill Plain between Ringmer and Glyndebourne in East Sussex.

Lewes councillor Peter Gardiner said: “Government policy is that every local authority in the South East is now expected to contribute to meeting regional targets for the provision of renewable energy.

“One turbine, rather than a major wind farm is, I am certain, appropriate here.”

The six-day inquiry into the planned turbine was held at the White Hart Hotel in Lewes.

Tom Oliver, from the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE),told the inquiry the turbine would be “clearly visible from a great tract of the countryside”.

David Murray, from the Ramblers’ Association, said CPRE findings showed both the scale and location was inappropriate.

Earlier veteran wildlife broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, 81, said he “greatly applauded” the move.

Officials at Glyndebourne have said the turbine forms part of their vision to cut carbon emissions by 71% and make the venue more environmentally sustainable.

BBC News

12 March 2008


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/03/12/inspector-to-deliver-turbine-view/