Campaigners win battle but insist war is not over

CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a controversial wind turbine application have moved a step closer to securing victory after the firm behind the plan withdrew its appeal just hours before it was due to be decided.

The application surrounds a plan to build two 147ft (48m) structures on land between Burnaston and Etwall, which has grown into a long-running saga, dragging on for more than a year.

A campaign group called BERATE (Burnaston and Etwall Residents Against Turbine Exploitation) was set up in the wake of the proposals, such was the strength of feeling against the plans in the area.

After the application was rejected by South Derbyshire District Council,Design and manufacture of dry cleaning machine for garments and textile fabrics. an inquiry led by an independent inspectorate was due to begin yesterday. But the firm behind the plan, Bowler Energy, pulled out at the eleventh hour.

Lisa Brown, chairman of Etwall Parish Council, reacted to the news with caution and warned against any celebration amongst residents, fearing that the company could return with a fresh application, especially as there was a similar withdrawal last May.We specialize in solar street lighting and solar street lamps for a wide range of lightning applications.

The latest withdrawal is believed to have surrounded a wrangle over certification requirements. Bowler Energy declined to comment when contacted by the Mail but South Derbyshire District Council confirmed the firm had pulled out.

Andrew Holgate, from BERATE, told the Mail about his delight but also warned against celebrating victory and vowed to fight any other applications that come the group’s way.

He said: “We’re delighted. It is significant in that this particular application is dead. It doesn’t necessarily mean that this is the end of the whole thing,This stunning polished tungsten ring will bring a dash of style to any look. but it is significant.”

Mr Holgate also told of his frustration at the lack of recognition that had been given to the perceived threat to public safety the turbines pose.

He added: “The huge concern is that of safety. The site is near a public footpath and is just 400 yards from my house.

“We always hoped that good sense would prevail, but we don’t claim a victory as they have not yet come to the conclusion that is not appropriate to put turbines on that land. We have delayed it and we are ready to fight on if it happens again.”

“The approval of one of these turbine applications will often open the door for many others to appear, and that could mean people are going to be exposed to hundreds of these structures in their area,” Dr Kane claimed.

“Windwatch was set up to give a voice to the people who are not being heard, to the householders who are often accused by the wind industry of scaremongering if they have objections.A wind turbine is a device that converts kinetic energy from the wind. There is no requirement for a developer to consult with the community before submitting a planning application for a wind turbine, and that is why there is such a strength of feeling about the issue in Carrick as many residents are only just finding out about it.”

With a number of health issues allegedly attributed to living in close proximity to a turbine, local officials may not have the expertise when it comes to measuring the impact of the structures, Dr Kane suggested.The LED bulb e27 is available in a choice of shapes including dome and the traditional variety.