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Marsh wind farm given green light
Controversial plans for a 26-turbine wind farm on the Kent and East Sussex border have been given the go-ahead.
The green light for the development, proposed by Npower Renewables, will be announced by energy minister Malcolm Wicks at a conference on Tuesday.

The wind farm is planned for Little Cheyne Court, on Walland Marsh in Kent.

It was opposed by Kent and East Sussex County Councils, Camber Parish Council and Shepway District Council. A three month public inquiry ended in January.

The Department for Trade and Industry said on Tuesday that the inspector's report concluded the project was "consistent with government policies on energy and environment".


Twenty-six turbines will generate enough electricity to power 32,000 homes
Energy minister Malcolm Wicks

Speaking at the British Wind Energy Association conference in Cardiff, Mr Wicks will say: "The Little Cheyne Court wind farm is the latest development in the UK's growing wind sector and I am pleased to announce consent based on a thorough public inquiry earlier this year.

"Its 26 turbines will generate enough electricity to power 32,000 homes, with substantial savings in carbon dioxide emissions."

Kent County Council and Shepway District Council rejected the scheme, but the inquiry was called after an appeal.

East Sussex County Council also opposed the wind farm, saying it would damage countryside and affect wildlife habitats.

Some environmental campaigners backed it as a source of renewable energy, while organisations like the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and English Nature said birds would be at risk from the turbines.

Npower said the wind farm would have "minimal impact" on birds, and it would make a "substantial contribution to local clean electricity generation".


Story from BBC NEWS:
 http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/england/4351116.stm

Published: 2005/10/18 05:17:16 GMT
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