March 16, 2011
England

Wind turbine firm denies Island’s beauty will be affected

By Richard Wright, Isle of Wight County Press, www.iwcp.co.uk 16 March 2011

The company appealing for the right to build a wind farm at Shorwell this week clashed with opponents over the effect it would have on the Isle of Wight’s landscape and historic houses.
Cornwall Light and Power (CLP) wants to erect three 110-metre tall wind turbines on Cheverton Down and is challenging the Isle of Wight Council refusal at a planning inquiry predicted to last until the end of the month.
The inquiry entered its second week at Cowes Yacht Haven but planning inspector John Woolcock’s decision is not expected for several weeks.
CLP has existing planning permission to build three 52-metre turbines and insists that will go ahead if its appeal fails. Critics question that, claiming it would not be viable.
There is no time limit for removal of the 52-metre turbines but CLP gave an undertaking when it applied for the bigger turbines they would be taken down in 25 years and the downland restored.
CLP refuted critics’ claims the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the setting of historic houses, including Wolverton Manor and Northcourt at Shorwell, would be adversely affected.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/03/16/wind-turbine-firm-denies-islands-beauty-will-be-affected/