Cornwall

Wind Farm Developments in Cornwall

A number of planning applications have been submitted recently that could see even taller wind turbines scattered all over the Cornish landscape.  CPRE Cornwall has already objected to the proposals and it is hoped that individual objections will also be sent to the appropriate local authority by CPRE members, as well as by members of the public.

The wind farm applications that are being contested are:

(1)     Eden Project - one 127m (416 feet) high turbine.

          Restormel Borough Council - Planning Reference: 08/01411

          A letter of objection has been written by Tony Hilton, Chairman of CPRE Cornwall.

(2)     Carland Cross Re-Powering - the 15 existing turbines to be replaced with 5 much higher turbines on the same site, PLUS 5 turbines on a new site at Newlyn Downs, no more than half-a-mile (1km) away - a total of 10 turbines.  At present the existing 15 turbines are 49m high (160 feet).  The 10 replacement turbines will be twice as high - 100m (328 feet).

          Carrick District Council - Planning Reference: EA28/2038/08/B

          A letter of objection has been written by Chris Burton, Vice-President of CPRE Cornwall.

(3)     Crimp Farm, Morwenstow - two applications to modify the 3 turbines that a Government Inspector allowed after a public enquiry in January 2008.  The original consent allowed the applicant to construct the three turbines to a maximum height of 81m (266 feet); i.e. a hub height of no more than 50m (164 feet) with blades not exceeding 31m (101 feet).  One application is for a new hub height of 60m (197 feet) with blades of 24m (78 feet) - an overall height of 84m (275 feet).  The other application has a new hub height of 56m (184 feet) with blades of 25m (82 feet) - an overall height of 81m (266 feet). 

          Both applications consist of hubs that are taller than permitted by the inspector.  The overall height of one of the applications is 3m (9 feet) higher than permitted, whereas the overall height of the other application is the same.

          North Cornwall District Council - Planning References: 2008/02195 and 2008/02196

          Two letters of objection, one for each application, have been written by Tony Hilton, Chairman of CPRE Cornwall.

Ted Venn

15^th December 2008