July 6, 2012
England

Wind turbine plan for Clare withdrawn by BT

BBC News | www.bbc.co.uk 5 July 2012

Campaigners in a Suffolk town are celebrating after plans for a small wind farm were withdrawn.

BT had planned to build three wind turbines in Clare, near Haverhill, but said its research revealed the area was not windy enough.

Iona Parker, chairman of Stop Turbines Over Clare, said she was “absolutely delighted” with the decision.

“This is not an appropriate site for wind turbines and there isn’t enough wind,” she said.

Ms Parker said the turbines would have dominated the landscape and been too noisy.

‘Put a stop’

A spokesperson for BT said: “After extended wind monitoring and analysis, we have concluded that there is not sufficient wind resource necessary to make a future wind project viable at this location and therefore we will not be progressing with the planned development.”

Matthew Hancock, Conservative MP for West Suffolk, welcomed the decision.

He said: “I am delighted that this inappropriate proposal has been withdrawn and very pleased that BT have finally seen the light of day.”

Both Ms Parker and Mr Hancock said they would now oppose plans by West Coast Energy for a wind farm near Clare.

“I will work closely with St Edmundsbury District Council to ensure that the local plan can put a stop to the threat of these proposals for good,” said Mr Hancock.

West Coast Energy said it was still developing its plans and would continue to consult with local residents.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/07/06/wind-turbine-plan-for-clare-withdrawn-by-bt/