December 16, 2010
England

Ecotricity ‘using season’ as distraction from plan

www.thisissomerset.co.uk 16 December 2010

Protesters fighting a proposed wind farm on their doorstep are “not surprised” energy company Ecotricity has applied for planning permission so close to Christmas.

Huntspill Wind Farm Action Group has braced itself for the application to build five turbines at Black Ditch, West Huntspill, for some time.

But the recently submitted document includes four 120m turbines, an electricity substation and temporary construction compound, among other items.

Protesters believe the company submitted it to Sedgemoor and is using the season as a distraction.

Group chairman John Wakefield said: “We’ve waited for the application for some time and are not surprised they submitted it so close to Christmas.

“We believe this is to gain maximum advantage from the holiday and its distractions. These are tactics these companies take to maximise their chances of success. Please write to the district council to object before the holidays.”

In response, Dale Vince, company founder and managing director, said: “During consultation we listened carefully to locals and as a result we’ve reduced our proposals from five to four turbines. By doing this we will ensure these turbines are good neighbours for people and wildlife. The four proposed will power more than 6,700 local homes each year – equivalent to more than 15 per cent of Sedgemoor’s households.”

Anyone wanting to comment on the plans can contact Sedgemoor until January 7, 2011.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/16/ecotricity-using-season-as-distraction-from-plan/