March 22, 2012
England

Six-month delays for West Norfolk wind farm plan

By LUCY RUTHNUM, Lynn News, www.lynnnews.co.uk 21 March 2012

Plans for an multi-million pound wind farm close to two West Norfolk villages have been revised in response to public opposition, according to developers.

The proposed Ongar Hill wind farm, which is planned for an area of farmland to the east of Rhoon Road, caused outrage among local people when it was first unveiled last summer.

And critics have said they are still unhappy with the proposals, despite changes which have delayed the project by several months.

As previously reported, Coriolis Energy and Falck Renewables hope to build 11 turbines, which could cost up to £20 million.

The developers now plan to have a single entrance to the site from the main Lynn Road, using an upgraded farm entrance, instead of accessing the land from smaller, residential streets.

Cath Ibbotson, Coriolis Energy’s development director, said: “Many people said they were very concerned about the impact that the construction traffic would have on the closest residential roads to the site.

“We’re very pleased we’ve been able to change the proposal in response. We feel its a positive change despite the delay it’s caused to the overall project.”

But Gerry Rider, a resident from Terrington, said: “There are a lot of people who are not happy about the wind farm being built even with the changes to the plans.

“Those living in Clenchwarton and Terrington St Clement will be affected. Some homes will back directly on to the turbines.

“Our main concerns are the increase in traffic on roads, the fact that we will have to see these ugly machines every day and the noise issue.

“My husband and I moved from London for the peace and quiet, now we are doomed to listen to the noise of construction vehicles and turbines.”

She added: “I understand the need for progress and technology with other sources of power running out. I just don’t understand why they can’t be placed offshore rather than in our back gardens.”

Opponents of the plans say they are also concerned about the potential impact of the turbines on residents who suffer with migranes, epilepsy and Asperger’s syndrome, because of the light effects caused by the sun hitting the blades.

Ms Rider said she had also sought more details of the revised plans from the developers, without response.

But newsletters have been sent to over 4,000 households in the area giving an update on the project and details of the changes.

If approved, the wind farm could provide electricity to meet the annual needs of around 11,900 homes in the area. Coriolis have also pledged to provide community grants of £10,000 a year if the project goes ahead.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/03/22/six-month-delays-for-west-norfolk-wind-farm-plan/