Topic

Over in the bay opposite us there must be around 200 turbines all in neat rows.

This is the plan, about half of what's in there.

No the amended proposal is a last ditch attempt to sway the planning committee because the Planning Officer recommended refusal of the original application.

The slight reduction in height won't materially affect any of the issues we have highlighted.

Yes this is a proposal for a single turbine, but it is only the first in a long line of proposals that would see our area covered in them. Once one is approved in the locality, we know of at least 5 other proposed sites within a mile or so just waiting on this decision.

The area I live in is nestled between the Lake District National Park and the North Pennines Area of outstanding natural beauty. In itself it is a beautiful landscape full of rare and unusual wildlife. The particular site that is earmarked for this turbine has a recorded level of 90 species of birds, many of which are on the Red List. ie Particularly endangered. There are three species of bat, all endangered, that use the area and, of course, it is illegal to disturb any bat
We are surrounded by sites of special scientific interest.

Added to that that the area is almost wholly dependent on tourism.

The government has committed to removing the highly attractive subsidies that drive these applications and the Minister responsible has stated that NO Wind Turbine should be approved WITHOUT the consent of the local community.

Keep up the fight David.

The 100 km drive between Sarnia and London, Ontario, has several dozen wind turbines right along the dual carrageway and dozens more can be seen off in the distance, all of which have gone up within the past two years. They are such a blight on the country side and kill countless birds every year.

Well. Great news!
We've been contacted by the Planning Officer asking if we would be happy for the application to be refused under delegated powers.

In English- this means that they are going to kick it into touch without going through the full procedure of putting it before the Planning Committee for arguments in favour and against.

We don't need to turn up; it's refused! Virtual beers all around!

There has been a recent announcement by the Government Minister responsible that no onshore wind turbine can be approved without the consent of the local community. With effect from 18th June 2005.

Excellent news.

I take my hat off to them. Get it?