Villagers vow to battle Birdsedge wind farm plan

Feb 25 2010 by Nick Lavigueur, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

VILLAGERS are preparing themselves for a battle over a controversial wind farm plan.

Pure Renewable Energy (PRE) wants to build four 125m (410ft) tall turbines next to rural Birdsedge.

The turbines – which will feature 90m rotors – would be roughly just short of half the height of the Emley Moor Mast.

But angry residents say they will fight the plan as the turbines are just a few hundred metres from homes and the local primary school.

Councillors first became aware of the plan last September when a wind speed measuring mast was installed on farmland.

Several public meetings have already been held and protest group Birdsedge and district Opposition to Large wind Turbines (BOLT) – has already been formed. No formal planning application has yet been lodged, but last week PRE announced it intended to forge ahead despite the opposition.

BOLT secretary Stephen Ashley said there was great concern at changes to the initial plan, which dropped from five to four turbines.

He said: “One of the most disturbing changes is they’ve moved one close to the water works very close to the road.

“It will be very dominating and they might have to close the road if it’s throwing chunks of ice about.”