Cornwall

Cornwall Light and Power 

Application to Up Grade Existing Wind Farm 

Our Branch Chairman, Tony Hilton, has written to Kerrier Planning Council to voice the concerns that CPRE Cornwall has about the application by Cornwall Light and Power to up grade its existing wind farm at Goonhilly.  The points raised are briefly set out below.  It should be pointed out that this application is separate from any application that BT might submit for its own wind farm at Goonhilly.

In his letter to Kerrier, Tony says:

(1) It is not legitimate that planning consent is granted for this development  because, in order to make the application acceptable in planning terms, the developer has offered benefits and inducements.  For this reason the development should be refused, or, alternatively, the application be dealt with by way of public inquiry.

(2) Because the application does not give specific details about the turbines to be used, it is therefore impossible to ascertain noise levels.  This is particularly relevant as different types of turbines create differing levels of noise.

(3) Although flora studies are mentioned, there is no reference of fauna studies.

(4) Information about the application that is available on the public access website makes no reference to assessments being made with regard to noise levels, landscape impact or on the likelihood of bats being disturbed.  Neither are there statements about the environment or the planning process. It is essential that this information is provided so that the position can be adequately studied and appropriate comments made. 

Tony concludes by saying:

In view of these concerns it would seem that the planning authority should defer consideration of this application until the requested information has been supplied, and then allow time for the public to consider and respond appropriately.  Of course, should the planning authority agree to a public inquiry because the developer has offered benefits as an inducement to view the application favourably, then the requested items would form part of the core documents.

If, however, the planning authority does decide to go ahead and grant permission for the erection of replacement wind turbines, then at the very least CPRE Cornwall asks that consent is only given for a period of 25 years, and that the removal of the existing 14 turbines should include the removal of all foundations.   Furthermore, the planning consent should also determine the precise routes that lorries should follow to and from the site.

 Goonhilly Wind Farm in Summer of 2008

Ted Venn

Website Manager

4^th February 2008