Burnham-On-Sea’s MP has this week praised an energy firm which plans to build a new wind farm on the outskirts of the town.
Tessa Munt met with representatives from Broadview Energy Limited to hear about their plans for a six-turbine wind farm on land close to the M5 near Rooksbridge.
She was among the 160 people who visited the company’s wind farm consultation exhibitions, held over several days.
Tessa told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I am on record for criticising a lack of consultation on other projects locally in the past, so I welcome the company’s invitation for local people to speak with its representatives to give their support, or to air their concerns. The proposed development is in its very earliest stages, so now is the time to speak up.”
“This company has made the right start in being open with the public so any worries can be expressed from the beginning. Broadview Energy’s community involvement plans, where local organisations can benefit year-on-year from some of the income from the electricity generated, seem to be a step in the right direction. Real local support is something I have been pushing for with other companies, for example the proposed Hinkley C power station.”
The MP added that she is keen for the Burnham area to contribute to the ambitious CO2 emission reduction targets set by the Government, namely a 50% cut on 1990 levels by 2027.
“Energy efficiency is vital and something we are concentrating on through the new Green Deal. The Energy Bill is currently making its way through the House of Commons and I have a seat on the Committee, going through the proposed legislation clause by clause.”
“However, we also need to address the very real challenge of rural fuel poverty – producing energy in ways which do not mean exorbitant bills for the future, which shields us from being ‘held to ransom’ by other countries over their precious resources, and which do not pollute the Earth – creating problems for our children and grandchildren. Wind and wave energy are a crucial part of this mix.”
As first reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com earlier this month, Broadview Energy is in the early stages of plans to build six wind turbines on farmland immediately east of the M5 motorway, around 1km south of Rooksbridge.
