June 11, 2012
England

Batsworthy ‘battle’ continues this week

Andy Keeble, North Devon Gazette, www.northdevongazette.co.uk 11 June 2012

A long-running debate over plans for a wind farm at Batsworthy Cross, near Knowstone, is set resume this week.

The proposal for nine wind turbines up to 103 metres in height will be the subject of a planning inquiry, which starts tomorrow (Tuesday) at Bishops Nympton Parish Hall at 10am.

RWE npower renewables lodged an appeal after North Devon Council refused planning permission for an 18 MW scheme and temporary anemometer mast against its own officers’ recommendations.

RWE say the wind farm would produce enough clean energy to supply the equivalent of approximately 8,700 homes.

Project developer Chris Nunn said: “Batsworthy Cross is an excellent location for a wind farm and we have good grounds for appeal.

“This is a real opportunity to generate a significant amount of clean renewable energy and contribute to our future energy security.

“The wind farm could help reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions and provide opportunities for local contractors. The project could also provide a valuable long term, sustainable and reliable source of income for the local community via our community investment funding.”

“The area stands to gain a community fund of £1,000 per megawatt per year for the life of the wind farm. This could mean up to £360,000 for the local community over the lifetime of the wind farm with local people having a say on how it would be spent.”

RWE npower renewables is one of the leading investors in renewable energy in the UK. During the last two years, the renewable energy firm has invested almost £1 billion into renewable energy projects in the UK and almost £2 million into local communities over the last three years.

The district council’s executive member for strategic planning, Councillor Mike Edmunds, said the committee refused permission for wind turbine generators on the grounds of visual impact on the local landscape and on the heritage assets in the locality of the wind farm.

He added: “This extends to the intrusion of the wind farm into views towards and from Exmoor National Park, as well as a loss of amenity to residents.”

The public inquiry is open to members of the public and is expected to sit for at least 12 days.

For more information on Batsworthy Cross wind farm, visit

www.npower-renewables.com/batsworthycross


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/06/11/batsworthy-battle-continues-this-week/