February 2, 2012
England

No appeal over Swindon Honda plant turbine plans

BBC News, www.bbc.co.uk 2 February 2012

Honda will not appeal against the decision to refuse plans to build wind turbines at its Swindon plant.

The car company wanted to erect three wind turbines to power its plant near South Marston.

Planning officers had recommended Swindon Borough Council approve the plans but councillors rejected the application in October.

A Honda spokesman said “following extensive discussions” the company would not appeal.

In a statement, the car company said: “Honda and its partner Ecotricity still have complete confidence in the proposal, as proven by similar wind parks already working successfully at many other locations elsewhere across the UK.

“However, in making the final decision, Honda carefully considered the different views of Swindon residents, councillors, businesses and organisations.”

Residents opposing the scheme had claimed the 394ft (120m) high turbines would be be too large and noisy.

The company said it remained committed to meeting its “challenging CO2 reduction targets by further developing a mix of renewable energy technologies” at its Swindon site.

“These activities will compliment an existing 5 megawatt solar array already connected directly to the manufacturing facility.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/02/02/no-appeal-over-swindon-honda-plant-turbine-plans/