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Wind farm protest group facing third fight to stop plans
Credit: Written by Emily Nice | 7 November 2012 | www.cambridge-news.co.uk ~~
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Campaigners say they are “puzzled and disappointed” after developers revealed they may launch a third bid to build a wind farm.
In March, members of Stop Bicton Wind Farm claimed victory in a three-year battle when an appeal to build four 125-metre wind turbines near Kimbolton was thrown out.
However, just as the action group prepared to hold its third and final annual general meeting, it received a letter from developers Broadview Energy stating a revised scheme was being considered for the same site.
Martin Patterson, chairman of the action group, said: “We were all geared up for standing down as we had heard nothing from them for six months, well over the due time to challenge the result of the appeal through a judicial review.
“But it would appear they are not questioning the result of the appeal, which still leaves us with a very strong case.
“The Government planning inspector said the valley landscape would be ‘seriously adversely affected’ if the turbines were built.
“So how they are going to avoid that or come up with a new plan that negates that judgment baffles us.
“We are both puzzled and disappointed.”
Huntingdonshire District Council rejected the proposal last year, saying it contravened planning policies and would damage the cultural heritage of an area within 2km of the scheme, on the former Kimbolton Airfield.
Broadview Energy launched an appeal last August, which was unsuccessful – the inquiry inspector said the attractive valley landscape would be “impaired” and “the settings of important heritage assets significantly harmed”.
Broadview’s project manager, Tom Cosgrove, said: “Following the Planning Inspectorate’s decision on March 9 to dismiss Broadview’s appeal for the proposed four turbines at Bicton wind farm, we have now taken the decision to investigate the development potential for a revised scheme at the same location.
“Broadview’s decision has been based upon careful consideration towards the Planning Inspectorate’s comments, in addition to specialist advice from our independent technical consultants.
“No decision has yet been made to prepare and submit a planning application, and any decision to that effect will be subject to the findings of further detailed studies, including proper consideration of local and national planning policy and the Government inspector’s comments.”
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