Ecotricity appeals for a decision on wind energy at Shipdham

3rd February 2003

Wind energy developer, Ecotricity has today lodged an appeal to John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister, against the decision by Breckland District Council to refuse plans to build two wind turbines at Shipdham.

Breckland District Council announced in December last year that they were refusing Ecotricity's plans to build a new wind park at Wood Farm, near Shipdham. The council took 12 months to come to this decision, even though they are legally obliged to respond within 4 months.

If given the go ahead, the wind park will generate over 8 million units of green electricity every year, providing electricity for 3,000 local homes - around 4.3% of the people of Breckland District. Shipdham Wind Park will save the environment over 7,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

Following an appeal Ecotricity was given planning approval in October 2002 to build a second wind turbine at Swaffham and the company's founder and managing director, Dale Vince is confident about the plans for Shipdham,

"Wood Farm has all the essential ingredients to be a good site for wind turbines and we presented a very thorough case to the council. Breckland District Council's own survey found that nearly 73% of people favoured wind energy."

"I think the council are running scared of a vocal minority and have shown themselves to be lacking the courage to make a decision supporting wind energy and a commitment to meet national renewable energy targets. Once again we have to go to appeal to get a sensible decision out of Breckland."

The development alone will provide 12% of Norfolk's renewable energy target.

Ends.