Split over wind farm
A PUBLIC hall was packed out on Wednesday night as worried residents met to find out more about controversial proposals to build nine wind turbines near Beccles.
A PUBLIC hall was packed out on Wednesday night as worried residents met to find out more about controversial proposals to build nine wind turbines near Beccles.
About 200 people attended a public meeting about a renewable energy company's plans to build three groups of three turbines at Devonshire Farm and Granary Farm, both in Ringsfield, and Laurels Farm in Barsham.
The planning applications submitted by Stamford Renewables have split public opinion.
While there are people who are in support of the green energy project, others oppose the scheme on grounds of potential visual and noise impact, and a campaign group called Halt has been formed to fight the plans.
You may also want to watch:
Speaking at the meeting at Beccles Public Hall, Philip Johnson, of Halt, said he thought it was 'disappointing' that Mike Stamford, chief executive of Stamford Renewables, had declined to attend.
Mr Johnson said: 'We think these turbines are wrong for our landscape. Our landscape is dominated by fields, there are small hamlets and rural churches. Tourists come to see us because of our big East Anglian skies. We do not think wind turbines will fit into this landscape.'
Most Read
- 1 Pub ordered to pay £23.5k compensation to sacked disabled worker
- 2 Lowestoft house fire starts in tumble dryer and rips through conservatory
- 3 Relief for kittiwakes as controversial netting removed
- 4 Friends launch fantasy horse racing site to combat problem gambling
- 5 Acid attack victim opens heart to TV star on true crime show
- 6 Lowestoft man badly hurt after being attacked by gang in his own home
- 7 Adapted trike helping to fulfil dreams and bring back 'happy memories'
- 8 Man released from hospital after being stabbed in Lowestoft
- 9 Have your say on plans for 150 homes at former hospital site
- 10 Pakefield Man set for summer showcase
Mr Johnson said the group also believed that Stamford Renewables plans to site the turbines too close to houses.
'In our opinion, these proposals will utterly disfigure a lovely piece of England and make life a misery for people,' he said.
But not everyone at the meeting was opposed to the plans.
Beccles resident Corinne Green spoke in support of the project. She said: 'I have three children and I live in Beccles. I have seen big posters saying 'industrial monsters'. I do not see them like that. I see them as
hope. We are looking at something that says we care about this planet and
we want to do something positive about it.'
The meeting was arranged by Beccles Town Council's planning committee. Members must make their recommendations ahead of Waveney District Council's decision, which is likely to be in April.
