Support Airfield windfarm in Bedfordshire

30 May 2007

A new 9 turbine windfarm has been proposed for Santa Pod racetrack, near Poddington on Bedfordshire. Estimated to power 10,000 homes, the planning application was submitted in Septemeber 2006, but a decision has yet to be made on the project.

The Airfield farm is supported by Milton Keynes Friends of the Earth, South Bedfordshire Friends of the Earth, and Northampton Friends of the Earth local groups. They are campaigning for a safe future for everyone in the area. Please join them in calling on the Bedford Planning Committee to approve the project and help cut carbon dioxide emissions.

How you can help

Write a letter using the template below to the Chair of Bedford Planning Committee, Bedford Borough Council, Town Hall, St. Paul's Square, Bedford,MK40 1SJ

I am writing to express support for the proposed Airfield windfarm. I would like Bedfordshire Planning Committee to consider the following points. Global emissions must peak and then fall within 10 years if we are to prevent catastrophic impacts of climate change. A key component of the UK's strategy to cut emissions is the target of 10% electricity generation from renewable sources by 2010. Windpower is the most viable and economic technology available to meet this target.

Every community has a responsibility to take action in cutting emissions, and the assessment by developer RES demonstrates that Wadlow Farm is one of the best sites in South Cambridgeshire to locate a windfarm. I understand there are some concerns about the visual impact of this proposal. This is a most subjective issue, but should not be viewed in isolation of the following facts:

• There is a historic presence of windmills in the Bedfordshire countryside
• Modern wind turbines are planned for a period of 25 years, after which time they may be removed, or replaced.
• There has been considerable consultation on this project resulting in reduction of proposed number of turbines from 15 to 9.
• We must bear in mind the consequences if we do not respond to the threat of climate change. This will result in significant impact on the local landscape, beginning with changes such as loss of bluebell woods and beech trees. It will also result in more extreme weather events such as floods, which have had severe impacts on local communities in the past.

New government guidance in a draft supplement to Planning Policy Statement 1 (PPS1) clearly emphasises that priority should be given to tackling climate change when assessing new development. This reinforces national planning policy PPS 1 paragraphs 13 and 22 and PPS 22 which promote and encourage, rather than restrict, the development of renewable energy resources.