December 2, 2010
England

Wind turbine plans on hold

By Luke Sellers, www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk 1 December 2010

Plans to build wind turbines in Lydney have been put on hold pending a public consultation.

Residents have forced Lydney Area in Partnership (LAiP) to reconsider its renewable energy project after more than 450 people signed a petition against using Horage Farm, near Oldcroft.

The decision to consult the public follows a long-running battle between the Lydney and West Dean Wind Farm Action group and the LAiP.

This came to a head last week when shareholders and action group members walked out of a LAiP meeting in protest.

The meeting descended into chaos after the shareholders became frustrated at what they claimed was a lack of straight answers from LAiP chairman Derek Biddle.

Joyce Waldegrave, action group member and LAiP shareholder, said: “It was appalling that shareholders were not given full and open answers.

“This project is just about sustaining a quango that has failed and is not benefiting local people.”

The action group said it was not against renewable energy but the proposed wind turbines at Horage Farm would be too close to homes.

The issue will be debated by the Forest of Dean District Council at a meeting tomorrow night.

Councillor Alan Preest (Ind, Lydney North) will hand over the residents’ petition and urge the council to create a policy on putting up wind turbines in the district.

The proposal to look at the issue in more depth has been welcomed by the Lydney and West Dean Wind Farm Action group.

It follows furore over the original decision to grant planning permission for a 200 feet anemometer to test the wind speed at Horage Farm back in January.

Bob Watters, a board member for the LAiP said: “Horage Farm is still on the cards but nothing will be decided until after we have had a proper public consultation.

“What we are trying to do now is look at all the options and bring everyone on board. I don’t think anyone is fundamentally against what the partnership is trying to do but it is a question of where the sites are.”

The public consultation will take place at Lydney Town Hall on December 15.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/02/wind-turbine-plans-on-hold/