DEVELOPERS planning to build a wind farm at Bickerton have announced a date when they will put in place their wind monitoring mast.
Concerned villagers can expect to see the 60m anometer being constructed on land next to the Sandstone Trail during the week commencing Monday, December 8.
Although the effect of the anometer on the landscape is minor, its appearance represents the first visible stage of the process which may ultimately lead to enormous wind turbines being built in the picturesque Cheshire countryside.
Protest group Stop Bickerton Wind Turbines vowed to continue their opposition to the project being proposed by Durham-based firm Banks Developments.
The two opposing groups last met on September 1 when Eddisbury MP Stephen O’Brien chaired a heated meeting at Bickerton Village Hall.
SBWT chairman Mike Voisey said: “Obviously we are saddened that the developers have decided to push ahead and erect the wind monitoring mast, despite overwhelming local opposition, but it comes as no surprise.
“We are committed to resisting this threat to residents, whose quality of life will be impaired, and to the many tourist-dependent businesses in this special part of Cheshire.
“We are anticipating meeting the developers in the not too distant future, when we hope to hear more of their plans.”
The anometer will be in place for a period of up to six months and will measure wind speed and strength.
Once developers have analysed their findings, a decision will made whether or not to submit a planning application to Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council.
Rob Williams, renewables projects director at Banks Developments, said: “The anometer should take no more than two days to erect, and will be in place for at least six months.
“During this time, data will be gathered and stored digitally, and the mast will be monitored by Banks staff at regular intervals.
“It’s important to stress that no scheme design or planning application will be developed until the test mast data has been fully analysed.
“Should it show that the site is a suitable location for a wind farm, we will conduct a full public consultation and hope that local people will then make their minds up about any plans based on their factual detail.”
