News
Villagers split over wind turbines
A Mid Norfolk community was last night divided over plans for two wind turbines as the five-year battle to have them built was debated again at a public inquiry.
March 23, 2006
in The Advertiser
People opposing plans to erect two 100m turbines at Shipdham, near Dereham, were accused by fellow villagers of "unrepresentative scaremongering" and "jumping on every available bandwagon".
But campaigners fighting the proposals - who have been left with a tougher job after Norwich International airport withdrew its objection - claimed they were trying to preserve quality of life in the village.
On the second day of the inquiry, villagers gave starkly opposing views on the potential impact of the turbines proposed by Ecotricity for land at Wood Farm.
Almost 500 letters were sent to council officials by opponents while nearly 300 villagers - including about a quarter aged under 21 - signed a petition in support. More than 300 letters in favour were previously submitted.
The inquiry is the latest chapter in a long tussle, dating back to 2001.
Two applications from Ecotricity were turned down by Breckland Council and a previous public inquiry dismissed the first plan on the grounds of noise.
The new inquiry follows opposition from Breckland because of air safety fears.
After the hearing began on Tuesday, it emerged that Norwich airport had scrapped its objection after striking a deal with Ecotricity for unspecified improvements recommended by an independent safety expert.
It was also revealed yesterday that Breckland Council had been kept in the dark about the agreement between the power company and airport until a letter was faxed on the first morning of the inquiry.
It remains unclear how much the financial agreement is worth and what the money will be used for.
That deal forced Breckland Council to withdraw its defence.
Opponents of the turbines said they "deplored" the last-minute decision.
The council has not spoken publicly while the inquiry is going on but officials privately feel badly let down by not being informed about the deal and late withdrawal of the objection.
The inquiry is continuing on the basis of opposition from the Campaign Against Turbines in Shipdham and Scarning (CATSS).
It is arguing on a range objections including impact on local people's quality of life, closeness of turbines to homes, noise, aircraft safety at Shipdham Airfield, changing national planning guidelines and impact on the historic village church.
CATSS chairman Brian Kidd - a long-time resident of Shipdham - said: "We believe we represent the views of the bulk of people. Our case presents powerful evidence against the siting of the turbines at Shipdham.
"We believe passionately that the quality of rural life must be preserved for us and for generations to come.
"This would be irreparably damaged if these huge turbines were sited here."
But Geoff Hinchliffe, another long-time villager and member of Challenge Against Nimbyism in Shipdham (CANIS), said: "Sadly there is, in my opinion, a certain sector of my generation which appears to have little concern for the future which will be inherited by today's youngsters and their descendants.
"I believe that CATSS exemplified this attitude.
"They jumped on every available bandwagon in pursuing their aims."
He stressed the "undeniable" need for alternative and renewable energy sources to tackle the growing global energy crisis.
John Sharples, owner of Shipdham Manor residential home, said he was deeply concerned about disruption on the home and residents from heavy lorries during construction. Families are considering asking for compensation.
The inquiry continues today with evidence about noise issues and is then due to adjourn and reconvene in April or May for closing speeches and a site visit.
But campaigners fighting the proposals - who have been left with a tougher job after Norwich International airport withdrew its objection - claimed they were trying to preserve quality of life in the village.
On the second day of the inquiry, villagers gave starkly opposing views on the potential impact of the turbines proposed by Ecotricity for land at Wood Farm.
Almost 500 letters were sent to council officials by opponents while nearly 300 villagers - including about a quarter aged under 21 - signed a petition in support. More than 300 letters in favour were previously submitted.
The inquiry is the latest chapter in a long tussle, dating back to 2001.
Two applications from Ecotricity were turned down by Breckland Council and a previous public inquiry dismissed the first plan on the grounds of noise.
The new inquiry follows opposition from Breckland because of air safety fears.
After the hearing began on Tuesday, it emerged that Norwich airport had scrapped its objection after striking a deal with Ecotricity for unspecified improvements recommended by an independent safety expert.
It was also revealed yesterday that Breckland Council had been kept in the dark about the agreement between the power company and airport until a letter was faxed on the first morning of the inquiry.
It remains unclear how much the financial agreement is worth and what the money will be used for.
That deal forced Breckland Council to withdraw its defence.
Opponents of the turbines said they "deplored" the last-minute decision.
The council has not spoken publicly while the inquiry is going on but officials privately feel badly let down by not being informed about the deal and late withdrawal of the objection.
The inquiry is continuing on the basis of opposition from the Campaign Against Turbines in Shipdham and Scarning (CATSS).
It is arguing on a range objections including impact on local people's quality of life, closeness of turbines to homes, noise, aircraft safety at Shipdham Airfield, changing national planning guidelines and impact on the historic village church.
CATSS chairman Brian Kidd - a long-time resident of Shipdham - said: "We believe we represent the views of the bulk of people. Our case presents powerful evidence against the siting of the turbines at Shipdham.
"We believe passionately that the quality of rural life must be preserved for us and for generations to come.
"This would be irreparably damaged if these huge turbines were sited here."
But Geoff Hinchliffe, another long-time villager and member of Challenge Against Nimbyism in Shipdham (CANIS), said: "Sadly there is, in my opinion, a certain sector of my generation which appears to have little concern for the future which will be inherited by today's youngsters and their descendants.
"I believe that CATSS exemplified this attitude.
"They jumped on every available bandwagon in pursuing their aims."
He stressed the "undeniable" need for alternative and renewable energy sources to tackle the growing global energy crisis.
John Sharples, owner of Shipdham Manor residential home, said he was deeply concerned about disruption on the home and residents from heavy lorries during construction. Families are considering asking for compensation.
The inquiry continues today with evidence about noise issues and is then due to adjourn and reconvene in April or May for closing speeches and a site visit.
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