Published: June 19, 2012
Burnham wind farm protesters welcome government's subsidy axe

Protesters fighting against plans for a wind farm on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea have this week welcomed reports that the government is preparing to scrap all subsidies for onshore wind farms.

Reports in several national newspapers, including The Telegraph, have claimed the subsidy regime for onshore wind and solar panels is now expected to be phased out by the end of the decade.

David Maund, from the No Pilrow campaign group opposed to a scheme at Rooksbridge near Burnham, welcomed the news this week and said Broadview Energy, the firm behind the plans, should re-think its proposals.

He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "It is now clear from numerous reports that the government are finally taking heed of the views of the vast majority of the British public affected by these wind turbines. Not only do these monsters despoil beautiful countryside but it is now overwhelmingly apparent that they are inefficient and subsidised to such an extent that they are becoming one of the root causes of the increase in fuel poverty in this country."

"Our view is not only should all these subsidies be scrapped but this should happen much sooner than 2020 otherwise all we will see is a mad scramble by profit motivated companies intent only on taking all they can whilst it is there to take."

"Like all other wind energy companies seeking to batten on the generous subsidies paid for by consumers Broadview Energy will now surely be aware that the tide has turned against this particular 'scam'. The overwhelming local opposition to their proposed planning application, the recent decisions on the Huntspill wind farms and the reduction, and later removal, of generous subsidies paid for by all of us through out energy bills means that this particular gravy train is finally coming to a halt."

"Wind turbines do very little if anything to reduce global carbon emissions. Without subsidies they cannot and never will support themselves financially and now like most other countries we in Britain are finally if somewhat belatedly realising this. The people of East Brent, Rooksbridge and the surrounding countryside have lived with this threat for a year now and we would like to think that the company will finally get the message and withdraw their proposition and give the villages and people back their peace of mind. Life for most people at the moment is stressful enough without the shadow of 130m turbines hanging over us all."

Energy firm Broadview wants to build four 130-metre tall wind turbines on land at Pilrow Farm south of Rooksbridge. Its planning application is due shortly.

A Broadview spokeswoman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Subsidies for onshore wind farms are being reduced as the technology is becoming cheaper and more efficient."

"This is in stark contrast to the cost of generating electricity from fossil fuels, which has been steadily rising over the last decade and will continue to do so as the UK becomes increasingly dependent on expensive imports to meet its energy needs."

"Government is continuing to promote wind energy as an important part of future energy policy in the UK, however, as renewable energy is becoming cheaper it is only right that those savings should be passed on to electricity consumers."