A series of roadshows organised by campaigners against a controversial wind farm near Burnham-On-Sea is underway this week.
Energy firm Broadview wants to construct four 130-metre tall wind turbines on land at Pilrow Farm, south of Rooksbridge.
The No Pilrow campaign group, which is opposed to the scheme, is holding a series of exhibitions to inform local people about the hotly-debated proposals.
The first event will be held in Mark Village Hall today (Tuesday) from 5pm to 10pm, followed by East Brent Village Hall on Wednesday (25th July) from 4pm to 9pm, and The Wellington Arms on Thursday 26th July from 4pm to 9pm. A further event will also be held at The Wellington Arms on Tuesday 7th August from 4pm to 9pm.
“People will be able to pop in at their leisure and NoPilrow committee members will be able to assist them in making their comments to Sedgemoor’s planning department,” NoPilrow spokesman David Maund told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
He added: “The proven overwhelming local opposition to the proposed Pilrow Wind Farm supported by the District Council’s decision to reject two wind farm applications at Huntspill should be sufficiently indicative of the way the majority of local people feel. Vested interests, both political and financial, see this area and its natural beauty simply as a resource to be exploited irrespective of the harm it causes to people and the environment.”
“It is now abundantly clear from so much recent national coverage of the wind farm industry that this gravy train has finally been exposed for the financial scam it is – just another way of moving money out of the pockets of the majority into the pockets of the very rich.”
Burnham’s MP Tessa Munt has this week reaffirmed her opposition to the proposed wind farm at Rooksbridge. “I am happy to continue my support for the No Pilrow Wind Farm group,” she said. “I do not believe that turbines of this size are appropriate for this part of Somerset and I am fully behind the many people in Rooksbridge, East Brent and other nearby villages in their objections.”
John Denbee, County Councillor for Rooksbridge, has also voiced his concerns, saying: “I object to the planning application for large industrial sized wind turbines at Rooksbridge. I have no objection in principle to wind turbines but I believe that they should be located where they are most effective – probably offshore or remote – and where they do not have a major visual or serious noise impact upon nearby residents. The site at Rooksbridge is unsuitable.”
