Cambridgeshire council opposes two large proposed wind farms

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 15:29 · Archive

East Cambridgeshire District Council has opposed two proposed wind farms covering over 8,352 acres of farmland.

Plans for two onshore wind farms in Cambridgeshire have been put on public display. The proposals, by Swedish energy company Vattenfall, would see a total of 47 turbines built at two sites.

The Chatteris Wind Farm at Mepal would cover approximately 2,471 acres and include up to 15 turbines, each up to 220 metres tall – nearly four times the height of Ely Cathedral. It would generate up to 126 megawatts. The Redmere Wind Farm at Shippea Hill would cover about 5,881 acres with up to 32 turbines of the same height, generating up to 303 megawatts. Together the projects would cover about 8,352 acres, much of it Grade 1 agricultural land.

East Cambridgeshire District Council voted on 15 October to object to both proposals. The council said it supports renewable and low-carbon energy but believes the scale and concentration of the developments would place an unacceptable burden on agricultural land, food production, communities and the environment.

Councillors also raised concerns about the Mepal scheme's proximity to the Ouse Washes, which has several national and international protections including Site of Special Scientific Interest and Ramsar designations. The council said the development could affect migrating birds in the area.

The plans have divided local opinion. Council leader Cllr Anna Bailey launched a petition against the proposals. The public consultation period is now open for residents and other stakeholders to view and comment on the schemes.

Cambridgeshire council opposes two large proposed wind farms — Image: Cambs Times

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How it is being reported

Council opposes proposed wind farms that would cover 8,352 acres of farmlandEast Cambridgeshire District Council has opposed two proposed wind farms which could cover more than 8,352 acres of farmland.Cambs Times · 16 Oct, 15:15
Council opposes proposed wind farms that would cover 8,352 acres of farmlandEast Cambridgeshire District Council has opposed two proposed wind farms which could cover more than 8,352 acres of farmland.Ely Standard · 16 Oct, 14:30
Need To Know CambridgeshirePlans for two new onshore wind farms in Cambridgeshire have gone on display to the public.BBC Cambridgeshire · 14 Oct, 15:27

In this story: East Cambridgeshire District Council · Vattenfall · Cambridgeshire · Mepal · Shippea Hill · Ouse Washes · Anna Bailey

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