Norwich Airport drops wind turbines objections at last minute
22.03.06
An appeal against plans for 2 wind turbines was thrown into turmoil yesterday after Norwich airport dropped safety objections at the 11th hour. The shock announcement was made on the first day of a 3 day planning inquiry into proposals for two 100m turbines between Bradenham and Shipdham.
Norwich airport dropped its objections in return for Ecotricity agreeing to fund safety improvements recommended by an independent expert, who will assess the effect of the turbines on airport radar. This forced Breckland Council to withdraw its defence of an earlier decision to refuse planning permission on the grounds of safety concerns.
Council representatives and campaigners against the turbines were angry the announcement was made so late. John Campbell, representing Breckland Council, pressure group Campaign Against Turbines in Shipdham and Scarning and Shipdham residents, said: 'From the point of view of the process and the point of view of the members of the public it's most regrettable this has come forward at this stage.'
Outside the inquiry, CATSS chairman Brian Kidd said: 'We find it very surprising because as recently as yesterday we were in discussion with the airport representative who was going to present their objections and it still seemed to stand.'
Richard Jenner, managing director of Norwich International, said: 'We've always said if we could find a solution we would let this happen. We'll be quite happy to go with the recommendations of an independent safety consultant.' He said he had been meeting Ecotricity representatives since January and they had tried to get the inquiry postponed pending an agreement.
The inquiry continues.
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