March 28, 2013
England

Geoffrey Cox pledges support to residents against Hollow Panson wind farm

By Nicole Travers-Wakeford | North Devon Journal | March 28, 2013 | www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk

A member of Parliament has pledged his support to residents against a six-turbine wind farm.

Geoffrey Cox, member of Parliament for Torridge and West Devon, said he would lodge a personal objection against the Hollow Panson wind farm.

Energy giant EDF Energy Renewables has submitted plans to Torridge District Council to erect six turbines at Chapman’s Well on land to the east of the A388 between Launceston and Holsworthy.

Mr Cox told residents during a meeting last Friday at Ashwater Village Hall that he is against the development which would disturb the quality and peace of the area.

Mr Cox stated there are already 60 wind farms approved or in the planning process in Torridge.

He said: “We will be threading our way through wind farms before too long.

“I am convinced we are reaching a tipping point and we will suddenly find in two to three years that the whole of our landscape has changed.

“It’s not an issue any longer just for the people who live within a mile or so. It’s an issue for all of us.”

If approved, each turbine will measure 115 metres in height. Originally, the energy firm proposed the turbines would be 126.5 metres tall.

However, it stated it was reducing the height by 11.5 metres.

Stephen Davies has been co-ordinating the Hollow Panson Turbine Action Group, which is against the plans.

Mr Davies said: “We were very grateful to Geoffrey for taking the time to visit Ashwater.

“He learned first hand about the damage Hollow Panson wind farm would do to our beautiful scenery and tranquil environment if it went ahead.

“We were very pleased to hear his strong opposition to this and other industrial wind farm developments in Torridge.

“We were left in no doubt of his support in our campaign.”

Tim Wheeler, development manager for EDF Energy Renewables said: “We respect the opinions of the local community and have listened carefully to their views.

“Since announcing our proposal we have reduced the number of turbines from seven to six and in response to local opinion and residents’ concerns have also lowered the proposed overall height of the turbines.

“We believe that the proposed Hollow Panson site is an appropriate location for a wind farm and that our planning application represents a balanced response to helping to meet the future energy supply issues that we all face.”

If granted planning permission Hollow Panson wind farm could provide enough electricity to supply about 6,200 homes.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/03/28/geoffrey-cox-pledges-support-to-residents-against-hollow-panson-wind-farm/