November 9, 2011
England

Call to arms for wind farm opponents

Daventry Express, www.daventryexpress.co.uk 9 November 2011

Opponents of a second wind farm proposed for Watford are being encouraged to write letters outlining their objections to the plans.

The plans are for seven 123-metre turbines at Watford Gap proposed by the Spanish energy firm Gamesa. People have until Tuesday, November 22 to write to Daventry District Council and give their views. A public meeting will also take place on Tuesday from 7.30pm at Watford Village Hall to outline the plans.

Yolanda Wilcock, a founder member of STOPGAP who are protesting against wind farms said: “We really need help to fight this new threat to our local landscape.

“These industrial-scale turbines will be visible for many miles away. We are concerned not only about visual impact, both from this wind farm and from others in the area.

The news the application has been submitted comes after the planning inquiry into a wind farm proposed for nearby Watford Lodge finished on Tuesday.

In closing statements heard the plan, for five 125 metre turbines in the north of the village, could cause problems for the surrounding area,

Speaking on behalf of the parish councils at West Haddon and Guilsborough, David O’Neil told the planning inquiry: “There has been a lack of consultation with the public. The people at Guilsborough were not even consulted about the plans even though several abnormal loads were going to be bought through the village if this plan was to go-ahead.

“The inspector has to decide whether the small benefits for this area would outweigh the huge impact this development would have on people’s lives. I would suggest that it does not.”

A decision is not due to be made on the plan at Watford Lodge for several weeks.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/11/09/call-to-arms-for-wind-farm-opponents/