Residents to Consider Wind Farm Issues

10.56.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 10th Sep 2007

Following a successful appeal in December of last year, Renewable Energy Systems UK (RES) was given planning permission to erect a mast for up to three years to investigate whether the former mining site at Blubbery Wood, between Longhirst and Hebron, is suitable for a wind farm. The mast will measure wind speeds and analyse the weather. These investigations could pave the way for an application to build nine 125 metre high, 2.3 megawatt, turbines in a cluster at the site. Local residents have set up a group to look at the facts surrounding a possible wind farm at Blubbery Wood. The group, formed at a meeting called by the Parish Council, will look at the pros and cons of building a wind farm. The group will consider the arguments for and against building wind turbines generally and the specific arguments relating to this particular location. The group is an effective way for residents to work together and to discuss issues and it is aiming to be in a more informed position should RES decide to go ahead with the wind farm project once testing is completed. Bjorn Backe has set up a website on this issue (http://www.longhirstwindfarm.co.uk:80/main) so if you have views on this or evidence and facts please share them.