November 4, 2011
England

Inspector to rule on Langford wind farm proposals

Biggleswade Chronicle, www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk 4 November 2011

Cases for and against plans for a controversial wind farm were heard as a public inquiry started this week.

Langford residents packed into the council chamber at Central Bedfordshire Council’s offices in Chicksands as the Planning Inspectorate-led hearing started on Tuesday (November 1).

Robin Brooks, who is leading the hearing on behalf of the Inspectorate outlined the timetable for the inquiry, which will run until Friday, November 11.

Barristers representing the Co-operative Group – which wants to build the 10-turbine wind farm on land north of Edworth Road, Langford – and Central Bedfordshire Council also outlined their cases.

Tim Mould QC, who is representing the Co-operative Group, detailed the organisation’s plans for the development.

He also argued that the fears of Central Beds Council – which has turned down the application – and residents over the impact of noise and the appearance and tranquility of the village would prove unfounded.

The farm would also help to meet national, regional and local targets on energy production and carbon reduction, he added.

He said: “There has been speculation about the amount of electricity that wind farms produce but the fact is that between them these 10 wind turbines could generate enough power to provide electricity for all of the homes in Langford and Biggleswade.

“With regard to noise the homes which are most affected are those in East Road which will be upwind of the site, so the noise from the natural wind will drown out the sound of the turbines, and there is also frequent noise from the nearby railway line as well.

“As far as the appearance of the village goes the field is already in close proximity to power lines and the railway line, while the industrial estate in Langford Road, Biggleswade can also clearly be seen from Langford.”

Saira Kabir Sheikh, who is representing Central Beds Council argued that the plans should not go ahead on the grounds of noise, the affect on the appearance of the village and the environmental impact of the wind farm.

For the full story see the Biggleswade Chronicle of Friday, November 4.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/11/04/inspector-to-rule-on-langford-wind-farm-proposals/