Environmental group Sustainable Bridgnorth has welcomed the planning application for the Crida Wind Cooperative to erect two medium sized turbines on the ridge south of Meadowley, three miles west of Bridgnorth.
Under the scheme, local investors will be given preference share issues and there will be an enhanced local community fund for Chetton and Morville parishes. The turbines will produce enough power to satisfy the electricity demand of 750 households. The scheme hit the headlines in 2011 when planning permission for a wind monitoring or ‘met’ mast was granted. Thorough research into the impact of the turbines has now been undertaken, and Bob Esnum of Sustainable Bridgnorth said, “We are local people who care about the tranquility and beauty of this area. Turbines will be chosen and positioned to minimise noise, visual and other impacts.”
The application has been met with opposition from the Stop Bridgnorth Wind Farm Group, with the main objection based around heritage protection, as the turbines would be visible from the Grade 1 listed Upton Cressett Hall, and sit astride the historic Jack Mytton Way.
Local MP Philip Dunne welcomed the government’s recent reforms to the decision-making process around onshore wind farms, which means local communities will have a greater say in wind farm developments at an early stage. The four areas for consideration are environmental protection, the impact on the landscape, the local topography and the conservation of heritage assets. Mr Dunne said, “These new proposals will restore decision making to Shropshire Council which will now have the power to preserve natural beauty Shropshire if they so decide.”
For details about the Crida Wind Co-operative go to cridawind.org.uk
For information about the opposition group, go to www.stopbridgnorthwindfarm.org
