October 24, 2005
Huge new wind farm proposed for Edithmead, near Burnham-On-Sea

Controversial plans to build a huge new wind farm on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea were unveiled on Monday October 24th.

The proposal involves the construction of five 65 metre turbines on land at Inner Farm, Edithmead, which will produce enough electricity for 8,000 homes.

It is the third wind farm planned for the Burnham area, with six turbines at St Martin's Hill near Brean, and up to 12 turbines at Hinkley Point already on the cards.

The new farm is being proposed by Gloucestershire-based green energy firm Ecotricity and is scheduled to go before Sedgemoor District Council's planning committee in November.

Ecotricity founder Dale Vince said: "Wind turbines are essential in the fight against climate change. The biggest thing we can all do is change where our energy comes from.

"This exciting project will empower local homes and businesses to take part in combating climate change. And it is real clean, green power coming from local supply."

Although some residents are in favour of the plans, others are strongly against them.

Burnham-On-Sea Cllr Neville Jones has described the proposed farm as a scar on the landscape.

He said: "The tiny amount of power they produce does not equate to the damage they do to the countryside."

If it is approved, the wind farm will produce 10 mega watts of total capacity and will contribute 40 per cent of Somerset's renewable energy target for 2010 and will save more than 23,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

A spokesman for Ecotricity said: "The five super-quiet turbines planned for this proposed project represent the cutting edge of wind power technology."

"Our Good Neighbour policy means we study every possible impact and we only build where there are no adverse impacts for local people, beyond the obvious visual improvement."

An open day is to take place at Burnham's Scout HQ on Tuesday November 15th between 10.30am and 8pm, when the public is invited to learn more.

RELATED LINKS:

Edithmead wind farm slammed by Burnham Town Council leader

Ecotricity Web site