Wind farms 'cause irrevocable harm'

Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:00 - Western Morning News

A LEADING rural campaign group is calling for a moratorium on the development of wind farms in the West Country as "irrevocable harm" is being wrought on the natural environment.

CPRE Cornwall, the Cornwall branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) is calling for an "urgent independent analysis" of the impact of more than 100 wind turbines on the Cornish landscape to be completed by the end of autumn.

The group has moved to make clear its stance on the controversial renewable energy technology after Cornwall Council's controversial planning approval of 20 wind turbines in Davidstow, near Camelford, North Cornwall, in October.

It is the latest piece of evidence to suggest the battle between the apparent need for the UK to combat climate change and fears over the impact on the countryside has divided the West Country.

Campaigners in Devon last week felt "vindicated" after planning inspectors dismissed an appeal for plans to build 13 turbines - dubbed "ineffective industrial monsters" - at Bickham Moor, near Oakford, and Three Moors, near Knowstone.

CPRE Cornwall says it wants to see Cornwall develop an "holistic approach" to addressing the impact of climate change, including generating solar and wind power and conserving energy.

In its new policy statement, seen by the Western Morning News, CPRE Cornwall states: "The environment of Cornwall is unique and highly appreciated. It attracts many visitors to the county and is a major economic strength.

"Yet it appears that the environment, a precious and finite resource, might be sacrificed to help deliver targets for renewable energy generation in the county.

"CPRE Cornwall is now of the opinion that irrevocable harm is being caused by wind farms and turbines to the county's environment and asks the question: Does it have to be like this?"

The policy statement adds: "The central spine of the county along the A30 corridor is now dominated by wind turbines. Wind farms have proved very unpopular locally.

"Some have been proposed and allowed to be built on environmentally sensitive sites, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As a consequence, Cornwall probably now has the largest concentration of wind farms than in any other English county.

"Yet the number of planning applications to build additional farms continues to grow despite their unpopularity and cumulative impact."

CPRE Cornwall says there is "no doubt that climate change is happening" and that "many see it as the greatest threat to our countryside".

The document argues that Government planning policy is "almost slavishly followed, implemented and delivered without question to the long-term consequences on the environment".

"CPRE Cornwall says this has to change before it is too late. However, Cornwall Council has made it clear that it sees the debate as not do we have to have wind farms, but how do we accommodate them?"

It argues that turbines need to be located on sites that are "not determined by developers but through a comprehensive assessment of the landscape to assess possible suitable locations".

It adds: "Until the holistic policy approach outlined above is developed and the detailed landscape work is completed, CPRE Cornwall calls for a moratorium on approving any further proposals."

CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

GENERAL ELECTION 2010: MAKE THE COUNTRYSIDE COUNT

‘This year’s General Election is a critical moment for England’s countryside. The promises politicians make now will determine whether the countryside becomes a better, more beautiful and more inspirational place, or is condemned to death by a thousand cuts.’

This was the view of Ben Stafford, Head of Campaigns at CPRE’s National Office, today (Wednesday, February 10^th 2010) as the charity launched its manifesto for the General Election expected in May.

CPRE’s manifesto follows the publication of its vision for the countryside in 2026 last year¹, and sets out the key actions needed in the next five years to protect and improve England’s countryside. Every voter can play their part by challenging candidates to support CPRE’s agenda.

The manifesto calls for progress in three areas:

• Twenty-first century planning: it’s time for politicians to stop rubbishing planning and recognise its potential – as the best and most democratic system we have to protect and enhance the countryside, promote urban renewal and improve people’s quality of life. The next Government should also back higher development targets for brownfield land and invest heavily in low carbon travel, including in often-neglected rural areas;

• Protecting the human habitat: the next Government should champion National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The creation of the South Downs National Park should be the starting point for better protection of these crown jewels of our countryside, and they should be no-go areas for intrusive development. And politicians need to stand up for Green Belts, with no more nibbling away at their edges to allow urban sprawl, and support the creation of new areas of Green Belt;

• Action on litter and fly-tipping: it’s time for political leadership to prevent us drowning under an ever-rising tide of rubbish. The next Government needs to recognise that we won’t solve our litter problem without a strong campaign to change people’s behaviour, and to support the bodies, like local councils, that clear our litter up. Politicians should also introduce a national deposit scheme for drinks containers, which would reduce litter, boost recycling and reward good behaviour by consumers.

Ben Stafford said:‘

Too often, the environment and the countryside seem to disappear off the political radar in the heat of a General Election campaign. But millions of people live, visit and work in the countryside, and millions are members of groups that want their leaders to protect precious areas of beauty and tranquillity from excessive development, neglect and mismanagement.

‘We can’t afford the countryside to go missing in this election. If it does, the chances are it won’t be a priority for whichever party forms the next Government. We all need to vote for the countryside in 2010, before it’s too late.’

NOTES

1. In May 2009, CPRE launched “2026 - A Vision for the Countryside”, setting out a positive and optimistic vision for the future of the beautiful English countryside in 2026, the charity’s centenary year. The Vision’s key issues include: affordable, high quality housing; urban regeneration; Green Belts; better planning; green energy; local food and farming; quality of life; light pollution and valuing the countryside as a national asset. 

For further information go to: www.cpre.org.uk/campaigns/environment/2026-a-vision-for-the-countryside. 

CPRE Cornwall - Editorial Comment:

For those who value and appreciate Cornwall’s most precious asset - its landscape and coast line - the next few months are critical, as there will be an opportunity to question all candidates standing for election to Parliament in the forthcoming General Election.  It also vital to impress on all candidates that commitments are commitments, and that if elected successful candidates must stand by those commitments.  Furthermore, it’s time that all politicians understand that they cannot continue to dictate to the electorate and that being representatives of their communities they must listen to the concerns of their constituents and do all that they can to protect local interests.

Ted Venn

10^th February 2010