Wind farm application submitted

A firm based in Diss, Norfolk which specialises in the generation of renewable energy has put in a planning application for the development of a wind farm in Hempnall. This has raised anger from those opposed to the move.

Enertrag UK wants permission to set up seven wind turbines which will be situated at Bussey’s Loke. The wind turbines are expected to be one hundred and thirty metres high and will have the capacity to produce electricity that is sufficient for approximately ten thousand households annually.

Opposition to the project is strong though and in all the public consultations that have been held, residents of Hempnall have used every opportunity to voice their objections. Criticism has been raised against Enertrag UK for failure to participate in the public consultations.

A spokesperson for the firm, David Linley, defended Enertrag UK and denied the accusations. Mr. Linley added that whenever they were scouting for sites they always chose locations where they would not destroy the beauty of the area. He further added that Enertrag UK always consults with groups such as English Nature and there had been no reservations expressed by any of such bodies.

Despite the assurances the South Norfolk local authority will encounter protests from the locals who feel the wind turbines will destroy the landscape since for instance the wind turbines will be taller than the cathedral in the city.

The chairperson of Showt - Stop Hempnall’s Onshore Wind Turbines, Geoff Moulton, has already put out a statement on behalf of those opposing the wind turbines arguing that the project would be a blot on the landscape and would pose serious consequences for the environment.