January 7, 2012
England

National Trust concerned over environmental impact of Atlantic Array windfarm off North Devon coast

By Elise Editing, Barnstaple People, www.barnstaplepeople.co.uk 7 January 2012

The National Trust which owns Lundy island and stretches of the North Devon Coast has expressed concerns about the Atlantic Array’s closeness to the shoreline and environmental impact.

And you can still have your say.

While the public consultation on the offshore wind farm has finished, with a draft Environmental Statement for the development due for publication in the Spring, it is not yet a done deal.

The Atlantic Array development is registered with the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).

The IPC has to be satisfied that the pre-application consultation was conducted in accordance with Planning Act requirements before it can accept an application.

Local authorities can make representations to the IPC if they believe the developer hasn’t carried out the pre-application consultation adequately.

The IPC must consider the local authority’s views before it decides whether to accept an application or not.

Members of the public and interested groups can have their say on the application at two points in the planning process:

When the developer is consulting widely with the local community as applications are being prepared for submission to the IPC.

When the IPC is examining the application any member of the public can submit evidence to the IPC.

So now is the time for anyone with concerns about the developer’s pre-application consultation to put their views to North Devon Council.

The next stage will be representations to the IPC.

Nick Harvey MP has confirmed that many local people have already contacted him about the Atlantic Array proposals.

He is watching developments closely and will be keeping Barnstaple residents informed.

For further information on how the IPC will handle the windfarm application and how you can get involved go to the IPC’s website – http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/01/07/national-trust-concerned-over-environmental-impact-of-atlantic-array-windfarm-off-north-devon-coast/