Ecotricity makes tactical withdrawal

15th July 2002

Ecotricity has announced, with regret, its decision to withdraw from the public inquiry into the proposed extension of Stroud's only wind park.

A leading wind energy developer and the founder of the green electricity market place, Ecotricity submitted its plans to extend the park back in 2000, after 5 years of successful operation of the current single turbine at Lynch Knoll. When the application was refused by Stroud District Council, Ecotricity appealed. Then after submitting written representations to the Planning Inspector, the Inspectorate decided to take the application to Public Inquiry.

Dale Vince, Managing Director, Ecotricity says, "The amount of time and money involved with this public inquiry has become disproportionate to what we're trying to achieve. We feel our resources can be better used. For example, we're currently working with councils elsewhere in the UK; councils that are keen to meet their environmental responsibilities. This appeal would also cost Stroud District Council a huge amount of public money and I'm sure the local people who support our application will not want their money wasted in this way."

Ecotricity's application was supported by the majority of local people, as evidenced by the 3,000 letters sent to the council urging them to permit the development. Ecotricity sends thanks to its supporters and promises that it hasn't given up on Stroud or Lynch Knoll which it believes is a good place to build wind turbines.

"We'll be back shortly with a new planning application for the site. Stroud District Council planners are out of touch with what local people want and with Government policy. They're sticking their heads in the sand and our challenge is to get them to wake up to renewable energy and their responsibilities." Dale Vince.