April 26, 2014
England

Berry Fen wind turbine plans are scaled back

Written by JORDAN DAY | Ely News | 26 April 2014 | www.ely-news.co.uk

Developers behind contentious plans to erect wind turbines on the outskirts of Haddenham have scaled back their proposals.

Bosses at wind farm developer REG Windpower have announced that instead of building four wind turbines at Berry Fen – land in between the villages of Haddenham and Aldreth – they now want three instead.

They are also proposing to reduce the height of the turbines from 130m to their tip to 125m instead.

Heather Jones, a spokeswoman for the firm, said: “Following the consultation and environmental studies to date, we have decided to reduce the number of turbines proposed at Berry Fen to three.

“We’re excited about the potential to generate clean, safe energy at Berry Fen with benefits for the local community too.”

The announcement comes just weeks after the firm was given planning permission to erect a 61.5m anemometer on the land.

The device, which will be supported by ‘guy wires’, will be used by REG to gather data on wind speed before the firm submits its plans for the turbines.

REG Windpower says the new turbines could provide enough renewable energy to power 4,500 homes and that if the proposals are approved a community fund of over £30,000 a year will be created to support local good causes.

But protestors, who have formed the Stop Berry Wind Farm campaign, say the turbines will “destroy the peace and tranquility” of the area, “wreak havoc” on local wildlife and have a detrimental impact on local property prices.

Speaking about the alterations, a spokesman for the group, said: “The change in plans show scant regard to the views of the residents of Haddenham and Aldreth who continue to oppose these monstrous industrial machines looming over our villages. “To date we have collected over 550 messages in support of our campaign to stop this development.”

The campaign group is holding a public meeting on Friday, May 2 at Aldreth Village Hall at 7.30pm.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/04/26/berry-fen-wind-turbine-plans-are-scaled-back/