Iconic English landscape threatened by giant turbine: Environmental groups unite to fight
The beauty of the South Downs is being defended against a giant wind turbine proposed by the Glyndebourne Opera House. A coalition of leading countryside organisations will make their case at a planning inquiry starting on Tuesday 26 February in Lewes, East Sussex.
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Concerned residents and members of the South Downs Environmental Protection Consortium will be demonstrating at 9.40am on Tuesday 26 February outside the White Hart Hotel, Lewes.
The South Downs Environmental Protection Consortium (SDEPC) is strongly opposing the location of the wind turbine in the designated South Downs National Park and existing Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Natural England, the Government’s own statutory advisors on landscape, and the South Downs Joint Committee, the managing body for the Sussex Downs AONB also oppose the turbine proposal and will give evidence to the inquiry.
The government was so concerned by the plans that they ordered a public inquiry, over-ruling Lewes councillors who wanted to approve the scheme.
Jacquetta Fewster, Director of the South Downs Society said: “The Environmental Protection Consortium is in favour of renewable energy. However, this particular turbine would have a seriously damaging visual impact on the Downs. The turbine is the wrong scheme in the wrong place”.
Tom Oliver, Head of Rural Policy at the Campaign to Protect Rural England said: “The South Downs are a priceless part of the beauty, tranquillity and heritage of England. It is not ’green’ to squander this in return for an unreliable and severely limited supply of energy when more efficient alternatives and locations are available
Malcolm McDonnell of the Sussex Area of the Ramblers’ Association said: “The South Downs Way is an important National Trail through an area designated as a National Park, and it’s absolutely essential that these key routes are protected from industrial paraphernalia.”
Ruth Chambers, Deputy Chief Executive of the Council for National Parks said: “This case raises important national issues as it would be the largest turbine in any National Park in England once the Park comes into being. We are fully behind the local groups in opposing this threat to the precious downland landscape.”
The turbine has caused an outcry from local residents who will be meeting outside the White Hart Hotel in Lewes from 9.30am on Tuesday, to demonstrate against the scheme.
The Inquiry Inspector will report his findings to the Government for decision later in the year.
- Campaigners protest against the Glyndebourne wind turbine