September 12, 2014
England

West Norfolk wind farm scheme is scaled down

Lynn News | 11 September 2014 | www.lynnnews.co.uk

Controversial multi-million plans for a wind farm close to two villages have been scaled down in response to the concerns of local people, developers say.

The comment came after the area’s MP suggested government policies would make it harder for the Ongar Hill project, between Terrington St Clement and Clenchwarton, to go ahead.

The scheme, which was first proposed two years ago, faced opposition from local people and concerns from defence officials over the potential impact on radar systems.

But Cath Ibbotson, project manager for Coriolis Energy, said the number of turbines had now been reduced from 11 to nine, while a new access point had also been designed in response to local concerns.

She added: “We have seen many local people come out in support of the proposals including over 160 people registered in support of the application itself. We hope that when a decision is made on the project this support will be taken into account.”

Last week, energy minister Matthew Hancock told MPs the government was committed to giving local people a greater say in the planning process, in response to a question from North West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham.

Mr Bellingham also welcomed the announcement that onshore wind farm schemes will have to compete for subsidies against other forms of renewable energy from next month.

He said: “Hopefully this bodes well for the deeply unpopular Ongar Hill application.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/09/12/west-norfolk-wind-farm-scheme-is-scaled-down/