News Archive Page
22/12/04

Cambridge Airport and MOD Say No -

Following a 'technical meeting' on Thursday 25th November between Cambridge Airport, 'Your Energy' and Cyrrus, the airport have not changed their stance, i.e. their objection remains in place. This comes from the Air Traffic Control Manager (the airport's technical representative). An MOD observer
also confirmed that they would also be objecting to the wind farm.

South Cambridgeshire District Council Conservation Manager Says No -

Nick Grimshaw, the Conservation Manager of SCDC, has objected to the wind farm planning application due to the size and scale of the development adversely impacting on the landscape. He says in the conclusion of his letter of objection:

"I would therefore suggest that this proposal is refused due to its negative impact on this historic agricultural landscape, contrary to the provisions of both the structure plan and the local plan."

This is confirmation of our contention that there is conflict with the key local planning provisions, which will be a key factor in getting this application rejected. It is all adding up to a comprehensive and solid case for rejection.

Council Consultant Raises Major Issues with Application -

South Cambridgeshire planners commissioned Chris Blandford Associates to review the Landscape and Visual chapter of the Environmental Statement submitted by Your Energy as part of their planning application. Their report has just been published and it poses even more questions about the quality and thoroughness of Your Energy's work. This builds on the serious issues raised by StopCWF in their submission and puts in question the complete credibility of the whole planning application.

In terms of the change to landscape character Your Energy said it would be slight to moderate. However, the report states that it would be moderate to substantial and that the visual scale of the proposal has been underestimated by Your Energy. This is one example of many where the Environmental Statement is shown to be subjective and significantly underestimating impacts. This is unacceptable from so called independent experts and shows how impartiality can potentially go out of the window when the same firms are used on so many jobs for one firm.

The final sentence of the conclusion says it all - "For these reasons the proposal could be refused on landscape grounds."

To review all the conclusions of the Blandford report click here.

Application to be considered on April 6th -

So many issues have been raised by a variety of consultees that there will be a further delay to see if Your Energy can answer any of them satisfactorily. The Council Planners have indicated that they will be planning to consider the application at their meeting of 6th April and have asked Your Energy to answer the raft of issues well before then so consultation on their response can be undertaken with among others StopCWF.

It is our strong belief that the overwhelming weight of considered opinion against this application will make it impossible for Your Energy to satisfy everyone's concerns and again we would ask them to withdraw and respect the stress they are causing to local residents.

Have your say - October 20th marked the end of the Public Consultation Period. However, KEEP WRITING TO THE PLANNERS after this date. They will still take note of your views and as a community we need the maximum number of letters objecting before the Planning Committee meets in January/February 05. Full details on submitting comments are available in the Get Involved section.