Wind park protest

On Sunday, 29 August at 12.30pm, Robert Walter MP (North Dorset) will join supporters of Save Our Silton at Whistley Farm to protest against Ecotricity’s decision to once again seek planning permission for industrial wind turbines in the Blackmore Vale.

Having firmly welcomed the decision of North Dorset District Council’s Planning Committee to unanimously reject a 6-turbine wind park application near Silton in July 2009 as a victory for local democracy, Bob is extremely disappointed that the energy company has chosen to ignore the wishes of literally thousands of local people.

The application by Gloucestershire-based Energy Company Ecotricity for six 120m industrial wind turbines, to be erected near Whistley Farm on the North Dorset border, caused outrage in Dorset and South Somerset since it was first submitted to North Dorset District Council back in 2008.

Although the new planning application is for four wind turbines, the key arguments centring on the proximity of the structures to family homes and businesses, lower than average wind speeds and the devastating and irreparable impact on the beautiful landscape of the Blackmore Vale – itself a vital element to the success of local tourism – still remain.

Before the rally, Bob said, “Since the second Ecotricity planning application was submitted to North Dorset District Council last month I have received - to date - close to a thousand letters and emails of objection and only one in favour – sent by a gentleman with a Nottinghamshire postcode.

“Many of these letters express the same sentiments of extreme frustration and disappointment that I felt on hearing that a second application had been submitted. In my view it shows an utter disregard for the views of local people.

“I have therefore offered my support to Save Our Silton and look forward to addressing those present on Sunday. Given that little has changed with regard to the proposed development, I am optimistic that this application will be rejected by the planning committee once again – and hopefully for the very last time.”