September 25, 2013
England

More than 100 objections to wind farm plan

Cornish Guardian | September 25, 2013 | www.thisiscornwall.co.uk

More than 100 objections have been received by Cornwall Council against the latest application for a huge wind farm on the edge of Bodmin Moor. A public meeting takes place in Camelford this evening to discuss the application by Community Windpower Limited for 16 wind turbines, each standing 139m (426ft) tall, on land south west of Davidstow Woods.

This is the company’s third attempt to gain permission for the development, having had one bid turned down, and then dropping its appeal.

The meeting at the Clease Hall at 7pm, has been organised by Davidstow Parish Council, which has previously objected to the plans.

Camelford Town Council, at its meeting two weeks ago, decided to delay its decision until after tonight’s meeting.

As well as 138 comments from the public, of which very few are in favour, there is also an objection from the National Trust, owner of Roughtor, which is just 2.5km from the site.

“The imposing summits of Brown Willy and Roughtor are the highest points in Cornwall, their impression of wild remoteness emphasised by the absence of man-made structures,” said the trust in its submissions.

It added that, while it supports a major increase in renewable energy generation, it also believes that the location and design of power schemes should take account of environmental considerations, including the protection of valued landscapes.

Resident Caroline Bott said at a recent Camelford Town Council meeting that the turbines would stand as tall as Roughtor, and some would be as high as Brown Willy.

She said the turbines would put off tourists and would have an impact on the view and the historical landscape, as well as killing birds and having a noise impact.

Ron Mucklestone, of Be Green in Camelford, spoke in favour of the application, saying the wind farm would bring in £240,000 a year in community benefits.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/25/more-than-100-objections-to-wind-farm-plan/