Wind farm bid backed (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Wind farm bid backed

9:11am Friday 4th August 2006 in News By Simon Angear

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build wind farms on council-owned land all across Somerset has this week been given a formal go-ahead.

The Mercury revealed last week how Somerset County Council was proposing to do its bit to combat climate change by seeking locations within the county for renewable energy developments.

This means that areas like the Quantock Hills AONB, Westonzoyland battle site, Bridgwater, Woolavington, Chilton Polden and the Huntspill levels all fall under consideration for wind farms.

And after the council's executive this week offered a formal sanction to the idea, any of these sites could see turbines springing up in coming years.

The authority has now begun advertising for wind developers to tender for the Somerset contract.

Cllr Paul Buchanan, the council's portfolio holder for economic development, said: "Today's agreement over the Somerset Wind Initiative is a massive step forward in the county council's commitment to driving down carbon emissions and helping reduce the devastating effects of climate change.

"Somerset County Council, and its residents, must work together to take action to reduce the effects of burning fossil fuels, and wind energy in Somerset is in such abundance that we must use our natural resources to play our part in what is a very global issue."

Detailed feasibility studies will now be carried out, scrutinising the various sites for suitability. This will take into account factors like wind speed, distance from houses, access and connection to the National Grid.

Public consultation will also take place.

But not everyone is keen on the idea. Bridgwater MP Ian-Liddell-Grainger last week attacked the strategy as a "horrific idea, totally absurd" and this week he was backed by Tory colleagues at the county council.

Conservative leader Christopher Wolverson told the Mercury: "We need to be convinced of the cost effectiveness of wind power before we jump on that bandwagon.

"Of course, wind has a part to play in the provision of energy. However, a balanced and sustainable approach from all sources is required.

"Technology is moving fast. There are many questions to be answered before we ruin our countryside with gigantic wind turbines.

"I therefore implore all in Somerset to join in this debate. We have a duty to future generations to tackle the effects of climate change - but we must ensure decisions are based on a true understanding of the options and an objective assessment of their comparative cost effectiveness, not on irrational political dogma."