Windfarm opponents win seat at the table

Rob Garratt Campaigners fighting against a plan to build six towering wind turbines on farmland near Fakenham have been dealt a boost after they were offered a seat at the debating table.

Rob Garratt

Campaigners fighting against a plan to build six towering wind turbines on farmland near Fakenham have been dealt a boost after they were offered a seat at the debating table.

Renewable Energy Systems (RES) wants to build the proposed 400ft high Jack's Lane Windfarm on land between Syderstone, Stanhoe and South Creake.

Opponents formed Creakes Action for Protecting the Environment (CAPE), which for the first time has been offered a seat on a group set up to thrash out the plans.

CAPE Chairman Jonathan Powell has been added to the Community Liaison Group panel, a group of councillors who meet with representatives from RES once a month.

The decision came following pleas from residents at a “stormy” group meeting which attracted more than 50 people to Stanhoe Village Hall on Monday night.

“RES were confronted by an immediate assault from the floor of the house demanding that CAPE should sit on the consultation group,” said Mr Powell. “There was a very powerful view from people in the villages against these turbines.”

RES intend to submit a formal planning application this summer following further consultation exhibitions in coming weeks.

Amy Bambridge, RES community relations officer, said: “We felt it was important to not just have the voice of RES but also have opposing views.

“It was fairly typical of the kind of meetings we have before we submit a planning application, they tend to attract people only against the farms and at the exhibitions we hope to get a more balanced view.”

Representatives speaking at meeting also shattered the myth that those living near the turbines, which will provide enough clean electricity to power more than 8,000 homes, would benefit from cheaper electricity. The group's next meeting is on April 14 at Syderstone Village Hall.