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Vale rejects wind farm against expert advice

In a bizarre four-hour meeting on 23 October, the planning committee of the Vale of White Horse District Council refused planning permission for the Westmill Wind Farm, against the advice of its own officers and independent experts. In 2001, the same committee gave planning permission for five Vestas 850kW wind turbines, but farmer Adam Twine, who was guest speaker at the October OxFoE meeting, wanted to amend this to use more modern Bonus 1.3MW turbines. The Bonus turbines are quieter then the Vestas, and produce 40% more electricity, but are 5m taller.

The meeting was given a surreal aspect right from the start when the Council’s solicitor announced that the secretary of state had temporarily withdrawn the Council’s power to grant permission while he decides whether to “call in” the application. A decision on this is expected in 4-6 weeks. Meanwhile, he was apparently still keen for the committee to debate the application and to hear their views.

The planning officer, Ken Dijksman, then gave a comprehensive review of all the issues around the wind farm, including the views of several independent experts commissioned by the Council. Some of the most important points were:

  • The wind farm would have a substantial visual impact, but this was judged acceptable (although of course it is very subjective).
  • There would be no significant problem of noise, given the distance to the nearest buildings.
  • There would be no significant shadow flicker.
  • The amount of wind on the site is towards the lower level of feasibility, although substantially more than for many wind farms in Germany, for example.
  • Although in national terms Westmill would only generate a tiny amount of electricity, it would be significant locally (enough for about 9000 people).
The council had received an objection from a local gliding club, who claimed that the turbines would pose a hazard. However, this came too late to give a chance for Adam to challenge it or for the Council to investigate it properly. The officers’ recommendation was therefore to grant permission subject to further investigation of the aviation issue, which would be deferred to a future meeting.

A succession of speakers opposing the wind farm then repeated the very arguments  that had just been demolished by the officers’ report. Supporters of the wind farm highlighted the educational opportunities the wind farm could provide, and pointed out that Westmill could fulfil 65% of the Vale’s contribution to the governments renewable energy target by 2010.

Despite this, when it came to a vote, a motion along the lines of the officers’ recommendation was defeated 8 votes to 7, councillors voting largely along party lines (Lib Dems for, Conservatives against). A second motion rejecting the application was then passed, also by 8 to 7. However, the implications for the gliding club, and possibly other issues too, will be further investigated by the Council, so the project is in a curious sort of limbo. Adam will now consider what to do next, and if there is any way OxFoE can help, we will announce it on the website and at future meetings.

More information on Westmill Wind Farm