Controversial plans for a new wind farm on the outskirts of Rooksbridge, near Burnham-On-Sea, have been unveiled this week.
Broadview Energy Limited, a renewable energy company which develops, constructs and operates wind farms, said on Tuesday (June 7th) it is in the early stages of exploring the potential for six wind turbines on farmland immediately east of the M5 motorway, around 1km south of Rooksbridge.
The firm says its initial studies indicate that the site – to be called Pilrow Wind Farm – is a good location for a farm of this size.
If approved, the company says the site would make a valuable contribution towards national green energy targets.
Tom Cosgrove, project manager at Broadview Energy, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We are at a very early stage with our plans and are keen to hear people’s thoughts and give the local community an opportunity to have their say in our plans. We understand that any new development can have an impact on communities and we want to have open discussions with local people from the outset.”
Broadview Energy will be visiting a number of locations in the local area with a mobile exhibition vehicle during the week commencing June 13th.
The aim is to introduce the community to the company, outline the proposals for the project and invite residents to have their say.
Broadview will be writing to local residents with details of exact dates and locations for these events, along with information on the plans for the site.
Residents will receive the information this week and details will also be posted on the dedicated Pilrow project web pages here.
“It’s inevitable that the introduction of wind turbines into a landscape effects change and an important part of the development process is designing the project in such a way that it is sensitive to the local area,” added Tom Cosgrove.
“We believe the nature of the landscape to the east of Brent Knoll, which is dominated by manmade features such as the M5, has the capacity to accommodate a small wind farm.”
“It’s widely recognised that our reliance on fossil fuels must change. Onshore wind energy is a clean, low carbon and well established technology which is making a tangible contribution to the UK’s energy needs.”
Broadview will continue its studies into a range of topics, including potential landscape impacts, which will form part of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The findings will be reported within an Environmental Statement which will be included in any planning application submitted to Sedgemoor District Council.
The company will also be consulting with a number of local and national organisations including English Heritage, Natural England and the Lower Axe Drainage Board.
