SOMERSET WIND INITIATIVE

KNOll to Windfarm, the Action Group set up to oppose the proposed wind farm between Burnham-on-Sea and Brent Knoll comments on the proposals from Somerset County Council to promote wind farm developments on land owned by the Council.

A spokesperson for the Action Group commented

“We understand that the Government has imposed renewal energy production targets on the area, and whilst the case concerning the effectiveness of wind turbines, compared to other forms of renewal energy, has yet to be robustly made, the initiative by the Council has highlighted some very important issues- ones that we have been repeatedly making concerning the proposed development near Burnham-on-Sea.

Bearing in mind that the Government has imposed these targets and is encouraging wind farms, whether we like it or not, we believe that careful site selection by the Council should enable the County to achieve its renewable energy targets without having to decimate large residential, tourist and environmentally sensitive areas with unwanted and unnecessary developments- this is at least a semi-strategic approach compared to a totally opportunistic approach. We trust any financial benefits that the council receives from such developments will be re-invested back into the local community.

We were particularly pleased to see in the press that Councillor Paul Buchanan, who holds the economic development portfolio for the Council, commented that in assessing the suitability of its sites, prior to submitting any planning application, the Council will

“take into account things like the landscape and proximity to housing”

Of particular interest was his comment that

“Does anyone really think that through that process we will end up suggesting putting a turbine next to Glastonbury Tor? Its ridiculous”

Surely this is no more ridiculous than proposing 5 turbines next to historic Brent Knoll, an even more prominent feature than the Tor, and close to a large residential area, with unique environmental characteristics?

We look forward to the Councillor truly nailing his colours to the mast, and joining us in objecting to the Burnham proposals-particularly as this proposal also has significant consequences for the local economy.”

Contact Andrew Manning 07765 896781