The developers of the proposed wind generation farm at Silton, which was thrown out by North Dorset Council in March, have appealed, and there will now be a public enquiry.
The proposal was resisted by every parish in the area, and by neighbouring South Somerset District Council.
The proposal was for four 120-metre tall wind turbines at Silton, between Bourton and Gillingham.
The developers claim Dorset needs more renewable energy and the four turbines would produce enough energy to power 6,700 homes while saving 10,000 tonnes of CO2 going into the atmosphere for the next 25 years.
Objectors say that the proposal will spoil the landscape, will detract from the setting of adjacent historic properties, and will adversely affect the visual amenities and businesses (including tourism) near the proposed site.
Unfortunately the fact that these things only work at about 20 per cent of their capacity, but provide a taxpayer-funded payout to the developer and the landowner is not a planning issue.
The latest application received more than 1,700 letters of objection and was rejected by every parish council in the area and by neighbouring South Somerset District Council before North Dorset’s refusal.
An action group Save Our Silton was formed to fight the plan .They are holding a meeting for anyone interested in opposing the appeal at Bourton School at 7 pm on Friday 21st October
Representations must be made to the planning inspectorate* by 3rd November. If you have written previously, your original letter will form part of the evidence to be submitted to the inspector.
The date of the enquiry is yet to be announced. There are now 2 wind farm appeals in Dorset – the other is at Wareham.
* The Planning Inspectorate,
3/20 Wing
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
3/20 Wing
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Bristol, BS1 6PN