December 22, 2010
England

Let battle commence – windfarm plans lodged

Melton Times, www.meltontimes.co.uk 21 December 2010

A planning application for a windfarm on the site of the former Asfordby mine has been formally submitted to Melton Council.

Peel Energy says it has modified its final proposal in the light of public consultation conducted over the autumn. It now envisages nine rather than 10 turbines and one turbine has been reduced in height to ‘improve the balance and cohesion of the cluster’.

It claims its proposal would make good use of the site and would generate at least 40GWh of electricity each year, enough to meet the needs of more than 8,500 homes, based on actual wind date recorded on site.

Patrick Keogh, development manager for Peel Energy, said: “We are grateful to all the members of the local community that took the opportunity to attend the drop-in sessions and the public exhibition. Peel Energy remains committed to ongoing consultation and providing further information as the application reaches planning committee stage and beyond.”

Campaign group STOP (Stop the Turbines Oppose Peel) says it is looking to rally local opposition because of the ‘industrial scale’ of the proposed turbines which will stand 125m to the tip of the blade.

It says it is concerned about the visual impact on the rural landscape for miles around as well as noise, impact on wildlife and enjoyment of homelife and the countryside.

A spokeswoman said: “Other established industrial wind turbine sites have shown people living within 2km have experienced problems. People living within the area of Asfordby Hill, north and west Melton, Ab Kettleby, Saxelbye, Asfordby, Wartnaby, Asfordby Valley, Potter Hill, and Welby will all be within this 2km zone.

“There will be a limited period of time in which to make representations so please have your say – it would be a shame to join the growing list of communities who are now regretting their lack of action. It has been said that wind turbine developers rely on local residents to be naive, gullible and apathetic – let’s not fall into that trap.”

The plans could be posted on www.melton.gov.uk as early as the end of this week.

For further information visit www.peelenergy.co.uk/asfordby-wind-farm and www.STOPtheTurbines.org and tell us what you think by emailing editor@meltontimes.co.uk

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/22/let-battle-commence-windfarm-plans-lodged/