June 14, 2013
England

Campaigners oppose two turbines scheme near Bridgnorth

Shropshire Star | June 14, 2013 | www.shropshirestar.com

Controversial plans to build two 240ft-high wind turbines have been submitted to Shropshire Council.

Sharenergy, which is behind the proposals, is backing a new co-operative to move the scheme forward, with plans to build the structures in Meadowley, Morville, near Bridgnorth.

Bob Ensum, chairman of Sustainable Bridgnorth, a local green group, said the co-operative, called Crida Wind, could be the first of its kind in the West Midlands to see such a scheme approved.

But the plans have brought about strong opposition from The Stop Bridgnorth Wind Farm group. The group has more than 250 members and has instructed law firm Sharpe Pritchard to represent them legally.

They have raised concerns about protection of local heritage, with nearby Upton Cressett Hall having recently obtained grade I-listed status.

Mr Ensum said the project had been developed by volunteers and the turbines were owned by the Crida Wind co-operative, with local investors being given preference over share offers.

He said a local community fund will benefit from £20,000 generated each year by selling electricity to the National Grid. Ten per cent of that amount will be ring-fenced for the exclusive use of Chetton and Morville parishes.

“The turbines, on average, will produce enough power to satisfy the electricity demand of 750 households,” he said. “This may be a small scheme but it will clearly confer major local benefits. It’s been a long time coming but the wait was necessary.”

William Cash, chairman of The Stop Bridgnorth Wind Farm group, said there was a clear legal precedent stating it was not legal to position wind farms next to heritage assets of national significance.

He said: “The turbines will be 1,500 metres from the gatehouse of Upton Cressett Hall and will ruin the historic setting.

“Our legal team will be writing next week to Shropshire Council to clarify the legal case history. This application should never have been allowed even at the scoping stage.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/06/14/campaigners-oppose-two-turbines-scheme-near-bridgnorth/