Help South Cambridgeshire get its first windfarm

31 May 2007

A new windfarm has been proposed at Wadlow Farm,. situated to the south east of Cambridge, between the A11 and the villages of Balsham and West Wratting. Some people have concerns about the impacts of the wind turbines on the landscape. But with the threat of climate change upon us, we must find clean and safe ways to generate our energy. .

The 13 turbines at Wadlow Farm will generate enough electricity for nearly seventeen thousand homes. The windfarm proposal gained the support of Cambridge Friends of the Earth group, after surveys showed that Wadlow Farm is one of the best locations for a windfarm in the area. Join them in calling on South Cambridgeshire Council to approve this project and make a significant contribution to tackling climate change.

How you can help

Write a letter using the template below to the South Cambridgeshire planning Officer , Area 1, Planning Department, South Cambridgeshire District Council, South Cambridge Hall, Canborne Business Park, Canborne, Cambridge, CB23 6EA

I am writing to express support for the proposed Wadlow Farm windfarm. I would like South Cambridgeshire 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:

• Modern wind turbines are planned for a period of 25 years, after which time they may be removed, or replaced.
• The developer has proposed measures to reduce visual impact through tree planting, and in addition proposes financing a Wildlife Trust initiative to aid conservation of the adjacent Fleam Dyke ancient monument and SSSI.
• 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.

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.