MP to hold talks on wind farm fears

EDDISBURY MP Stephen O’Brien is to meet wind farm developers to discuss plans to install a 60-metre monitoring mast at Bickerton.

Banks Developments managing director Phil Dyke will meet on site with Mr O’Brien on Monday, September 1, after the firm defended its plans to construct the anometer.

Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council originally rejected the application but planning inspector Mark Dakeyne upheld an appeal by the developer.

Banks Developments’ renewables projects director, Rob Williams, said: “This monitoring mast will enable us to gather the data required to accurately assess whether the proposed Bickerton Hills site is sufficiently windy for a wind farm development.

“The information gathering process will take at least six months and during this period we will continue to work as closely as possible with local communities to highlight any progress that is made with our plans and to address any queries or concerns that are raised.

“Only at the end of this period will we be able to assess if this particular site can be developed as a wind farm.

“Energy produced from renewable sources has a central part to play in meeting the UK’s future energy requirements and we are certain that, if the proposed Bickerton Hills scheme goes ahead, it will bring a range of financial, environmental and community benefits to the surrounding area.”

Campaign group Stop Bickerton Wind Turbines (SBWT) will also meet with Banks Developments to discuss their plans.

SBWT chairman Mike Voisey said: “In our opinion, their suggestion that the local community will benefit is very questionable and is not the common experience of communities which have turbines close to them.

“We’d be very interested to know what help will be forthcoming for nearby residents whose quality of life will be impaired and whose homes will be devalued.”

Mr O’Brien, who is backing SBWT, said: “It would be a disaster if a dark cloud of wind turbines – each taller than any structure locally – were to be imposed on Bickerton and our other local communities against their wishes.”