April 4, 2013
England

Bernard Matthews wind turbine faces objections

BBC News | 4 April 2013 | www.bbc.co.uk BBC News | 4 April 2013 | www.bbc.co.uk

Plans for turkey producer Bernard Matthews to build a wind turbine faces objections from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the National Trust.

The firm wants to build a 252ft (77m) high turbine at Oulton Airfield in Norfolk under plans submitted to Broadland District Council.

The MoD said the RAF’s radar system at Trimingham would be affected, with the trust adding it would damage the area.

Bernard Matthews said it believed the site was “well chosen”.

The firm said the turbine would contribute to the energy efficiency of its farms and generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 364 homes.

‘Not enough evidence’

It added the turbine would also have economic benefits and provide education opportunities for local schools.

Nick Champion from the National Trust said: “The proposed development is taller than Nelson’s Column, so we’re concerned that not enough evidence is provided to the benefit of this, given the potential impact on both the landscape, heritage and character around that area.”

Last month the company was ordered to re-plant 342 trees it had felled illegally in preparation for the proposed turbine.

The company is hoping to build six community-owned turbines throughout the East of England.

So far three applications have been submitted, with turbines also planned for Manby and Pinchbeck in Lincolnshire. Both applications have also faced objections.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/04/04/bernard-matthews-wind-turbine-faces-objections/