June 5, 2008
England
England
The lives of young pilots based in Shropshire could be put at risk if controversial plans to build a wind farm get the go ahead, north Shropshire’s MP has warned.
Owen Paterson MP has written to defence secretary Des Browne calling on him to support objections to the proposed wind farm at Norton-in-Hales, near Market Drayton.
In his letter, Mr Paterson expresses concern that the lives of young pilots based at RAF Shawbury could be put at risk by “unnecessary extra dangers” on what is already a demanding course.
He says: “As Shawbury trains helicopter pilots for all three services I am very concerned at the extra risk that this proposal poses to inexperienced pilots.
“It seems quite wrong that young pilots’ lives should be put at risk by unnecessary extra dangers on what is already a demanding course.”
Mr Paterson has also written a 14-page letter to the chief executive of North Shropshire District Council, Nicola Yates, formally objecting to plans for the seven turbine wind farm.
He outlines a number of reasons why he thinks it should not be given approval and also expresses concern about the impact of the proposed wind farm on trainee pilots at RAF Shawbury.
Mr Paterson said: “It is exceptional for me to send a letter of this nature to North Shropshire District Council but I feel strongly that planning authorities such as NSDC are being put under intolerable pressure by the Government to force through its misguided policy on wind energy.
“I believe that this planning proposal would cause lasting damage to my constituents, to the local economy and environment and I hope that it will be rejected at the earliest opportunity.”
5 June 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/06/05/wind-farm-a-risk-to-pilots/