ANOTHER THREAT TO THE BLACKMORE VALE?

Plans have been submitted to South Somerset District Council (SSDC) for the erection of twelve wind turbines on Henstridge Airfield. They would be 98 metres (318 feet) high and be visible from many parts of the Vale. Grain Silos currently sited at the airfield are 50 ft high.

These are early days in the process as SSDC has asked for an environmental impact assessment, but if you care for the future of the Vale it is important to register your concerns now.

On the 15th of September, Buckhorn Weston and Kington Magna Parish Council voted to oppose this application. The parish council meeting was preceded by a talk by the Tourism Officer for North Dorset District Council. She described how people come to North Dorset for a friendly welcome in unspoilt, tranquil and beautiful countryside. Tourism is a sustainable with long term potential for the future of the Vale, wind turbines are not.

Wind turbines have a limited life, generate little of the energy claimed and use large quantities of CO2 in manufacture, transport and construction, making the final benefits negligible.

If you care about the future of the Vale, it is not too late to do something! Write to some - or all - of the following quoting:

APPLICATION DETAILS: 04/02407/FUL APPLICANT: LOSAN PROPOSAL: 12 WIND TURBINES AT HENSTRIDGE AIRFIELD.

Pauline Tillett Planning Officer South Somerset District Council Council Offices Churchfields Wincanton Somerset BA9 9AG	Development and Control Manager North Dorset District Council Nordon Salisbury Road Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 7LL
David Heath, CBE, MP House of Commons London SW1A 1AA	Robert Walter MP House of Commons London SW1A 1AA

NEW PLANNING LAWS (PPS22) MAKE THIS PROJECT MORE LIKELY TO BE SUCCESSFUL DUE TO POWERS NOW GIVEN TO THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER.