November 17, 2011
England

Wind firm admits significant impact

Daventry Express, www.daventryexpress.co.uk 17 November 2011

The developers behind a proposed windfarm for Watford have admitted it would have a significant impact on a listed building.

Gamesa Energy UK is looking to build seven 123ft turbines to the east of the M1 close to the Watford Gap service station.

The firm has outlined plans which would have an environmental effect on the grade II listed Brockhill Lodge, which dates back to the 1800s, in documents submitted to Daventry District Council.

The report said: “All designated sites surrounding the development will be unaffected, with the exception of Brockhill Lodge, a grade two-listed building, which is predicted to experience significant indirect effects upon its setting.

“The effect on this is considered to be fully reversible upon decommissioning of the development.”

Gamesa say the benefits outweigh any impact.

The report was submitted before a public meeting held at Watford Village Hall on Tuesday. It was hosted by pressure group StopGap and saw around 50 people attend.

A founder member of Stopgap, Yolanda Wilcox said: “It went very well, we had a lot of offers of support following the meeting with people offering to help.

“We need people to write letters and raise awareness of the scheme in Long Buckby.

“I don’t think the people realise the impact that this scheme is going to have on them.”

People have until Tuesday to write in to DDC, who will determine the application, with any comments about the plans.

Visit www.stopgapwatford.co.uk for more information on StopGap plans.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/11/17/wind-firm-admits-significant-impact/