300 see plans for wind turbines

8:06am Friday 28th December 2007

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AN EXHIBITION about proposed wind turbines near Wool attracted more than 300 people.

They attended the two-day event to find out more about the proposal for the Alaska Wind Farm at East Stoke.

Bosses claimed that the public opinion was largely supportive of the scheme.

Residents, councillors and protesters attended the consultation exercise, hosted by Infinergy Energy to see the initial plans.

The proposals are for six 125-metre wind turbines in a quarry at East Stoke.

The energy company reported that two-thirds of visitors at the consultation filled in an opinion form which showed that 76 per cent of respondents were supportive or quite supportive, 15 per cent were unsupportive and nine per cent were undecided.

Climate Esbjorn Wilmar, managing director of Infinergy, said: "We are delighted at the number of people who attended the exhibition and took the opportunity to view the proposal to ask questions and discuss the wider issue of climate change.

"We will now analyse the feedback received and respond to any queries local residents have.

"Initial responses show support for the proposal which is very important in helping meet Dorset's 2010 renewable energy targets."

However, not all residents attended the meeting and a group of protesters are planning a petition to try and stop the proposed wind farm.

David Rose, who lives in East Stoke, said: "I went to the meeting and I am still against it because it will be an eyesore and noise nuisance to the countryside.

Prices "I found it very hard to believe what they said about not affecting local birds and also that our house prices won't suffer."

An environmental statement that shows the results of various surveys will be submitted along with a planning application early next year.

The opinions from the public consultation will be used as part of the planning application submitted to Purbeck District Council.

Dorset has a target of 68 to 84mw of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2010.

The Alaska Wind Farm proposal has a potential of generating up to 18mw, which represents 21 to 28 per cent of the county's target.