January 10, 2012
England

Council puts Polegate wind farm plans on hold

Eastbourne Herald, www.eastbourneherald.co.uk 10 January 2012

A decision on the controversial Polegate wind farm plans will now be made in the spring so planners can get archaeological information.

The much-opposed plan, which has received more than 500 representations, includes a five-turbine wind farm on land north of the A27, either side of Shepham Lane.

The plans have been put forward to Wealden District Council by Galliford Try Renewables (GTR) and each turbine will stand at 415 feet tall which is almost as tall as the London Eye.

The matter was originally due to be decided at Wealden District Council’s planning meeting in December but the council has now announced that its planning committee will not consider the plans until the spring because more information is needed.

A spokesperson from the district council said Shepham Wind Farm was likely to be discussed at either April or May’s planning meeting but the timescale is dependent on how quickly the information is supplied.

The council spokesperson said, “The planning authority, based on the statutory consultee responses received, is seeking additional information from the applicants regarding the archaeology of the site, noise and landscape impacts.

“It is now unlikely to be heard by planning committee south before the spring though this is dependent on the amount of time required to provide the additional information requested.

“Depending on the information the authority receives, there is the possibility that further consultation may be necessary with the interested parties.”

A campaign group has formed against the wind farm proposals and concerns about a range of issues have been raised among residents.

Noise, vibrations and flicker are causes for concern and some residents have suggested the turbines will cause serious health problems.

However, Tom Porter, project developer for GTR, has told the Herald, “GTR would like to reassure residents that there are no direct health effects from noise or vibration at the level generated by wind turbines.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/01/10/council-puts-polegate-wind-farm-plans-on-hold/