August 12, 2013
England

Group opposes Wiveliscombe wind turbines plan

BBC News | 12 August 2013 | www.bbc.co.uk

A group has been set up to oppose a proposed set of wind turbines planned for west Somerset.

Brendon Energy is based in Wiveliscombe and wants to build at least one turbine near the town.

David Mansell from the firm said he thought he could “address many of the concerns of residents”.

But Bruce McIntosh, from Friends of the Hills (FOTH), said the 250ft-high (76m) structures would be in “prominent positions”.

“The area we are talking about is surrounded by a national park, Exmoor, and by two areas of outside natural beauty – the Quantocks and the Blackdowns.

“It would be highly visible from many places.”

‘Big issue’

The community-owned firm claimed a recent survey, sent to every resident in the town, showed it had local support – with 51% of 410 responses supporting the project.

“We are taking note of what everyone said – the many supporters and also the fair number who opposed.

“The big issue is the impact on the landscape and we will wish to minimize this as much as we can,” added Mr Mansell.

The plans are in the early stages and a formal planning application has not yet been submitted.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/08/12/group-opposes-wiveliscombe-wind-turbines-plan/