January 14, 2013
England

Fears windfarm could be ‘blight’ on landscape

Written byKATHRYN CAIN | 14/01/2013 | www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk

Plans to build a 90 ft high, eight turbine wind farm on a landfill site near Cranfield could become a reality if given the go-ahead by a council.

FCC, the development company also behind plans for a landfill on the Wixams estate, is proposing the farm be erected on its Brogborough Landfill site in Marston Vale and is currently consulting residents living within 2.5 miles of the location on the proposals.

If a formal application is made, the decision over whether to grant permission for the site would then go before Central Bedfordshire Council’s planning committee.

One Cranfield resident, Anita Beal, said: “Cranfield is 77 metres above sea level. The proposed turbines are 90 metres high and in close proximity to the village. While I am not against renewable energy, these huge turbines will make a massive impact to the environment and solar panels seem to me to be a better option. At least, a smaller 64 foot turbine would be more acceptable.”

Further consultations are scheduled to take place in Lidlington on Thursday January 24, Marston Moretaine on January 25 and Cranfield on January 26.

Stuart Markham, project development manager at FCC Environment, said: “We appreciate that people may have concerns about the proposals and would like to invite members of the public to attend one of our public exhibitions which will provide the opportunity to view the detail of our plans and speak directly to a member of the FCC team.”

The company is developing plans for no more than eight turbines at the former landfill site, which it has owned since 2004, and is seeking feedback in advance of a planning application being submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council.

People wishing to find out more about the proposals are invited to attend one of two exhibitions taking place this month at the following locations:

Lidlington Village Hall, High Street, Lidlington – Thursday, January 24 between 2pm and 8pm

Marston Moretaine Village Hall, Bedford Road, Marston Moretaine – Friday, January 25 between 2pm and 8pm

Holywell School, Red Lion Close, Cranfield – Saturday, January 26 between 10am and 4pm

As part of the consultation programme there is also the opportunity to register to take part in more detailed discussions at a workshop being held at 7pm on Tuesday, January 29 at Marston Moretaine Sports Pavilion, Bedford Road, Marston Moretaine.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/01/14/fears-windfarm-could-be-blight-on-landscape/