November 21, 2014
England

Over 700 comments made in relation to wind turbine plans for Haddenham and Stretham

By Jordan Day | Ely Weekly News | November 21, 2014 | www.ely-news.co.uk

More than 700 residents have made comments on controversial plans to erect five wind turbines near Ely.

To date, just under 620 people have commented – both for and against – on proposals for three turbines to be sited at Berry Fen – land which lies between the villages of Haddenham and Aldreth.

And just under 120 residents have commented on plans for two turbines to be erected on land at Redhill Farm in Cambridge Road, Stretham.

The figures have been confirmed by East Cambridgeshire District Council, although the number of comments made for or against is not yet known.

REG Windpower submitted its proposals for Berry Fen earlier this year.

The plan was to originally erect four turbines, however, in a bid to win over campaigners, the firm reduced the number of turbines to three – and reduced the proposed height of each turbine from 130m to their tip to 125m instead.

The company says the new turbines could provide enough renewable energy to power 4,500 homes and that a community fund of over £30,000 a year would be created to support local good causes.

But protestors, who have formed the Stop Berry Fen Wind Farm campaign group, 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.

The Stop Stretham Wind Farm Group has also been set up to fight local farmer Chris Attle’s plans to erect two 102m high turbines on his land in Stretham.

Among those against both plans is county and district Cllr Bill Hunt.

He said: “In my view, the benefits of any wind turbine application are far lower than the disadvantages they bring.

“As a Fenman, I am a great lover of the big, open skies of Cambridgeshire and these turbines would certainly ruin the views. It’s not fair on the thousands of people who live in the area.”

A decision on both proposals’ is expected next year and people can still have their say by visiting www.eastcambs.gov.uk.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/11/21/over-700-comments-made-in-relation-to-wind-turbine-plans-for-haddenham-and-stretham/