Ecotricity says make your voice heard at public hearing

08 August 2003

Ecotricity, the UK's first green energy supplier, is calling on the East Anglian public to come out in support of its proposals for two new wind turbines at Shipdham, Norfolk. A public inquiry into the proposals begins next week on August 12th at the Thomas Bullock Primary School in Shipdham, and the company believes that now is the time for the silent majority to speak out.

Breckland District Council's refusal of the application has forced Ecotricity to appeal to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for a review of the decision. The Inspector from Planning Inspectorate will hear evidence from Ecotricity and the Council and adjudicate on the matter. The public will also have opportunities to make their views known.

The company says that opinion polls show that the majority of the public are in favour of renewable energy and want more projects to go ahead so we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Breckland District Council's own survey in 2002 showed that 90% of residents were in favour of new renewable energy schemes. Ecotricity recently completed the UK's tallest wind turbine at nearby Swaffham following requests from local people for a second turbine to join the one installed in 1999.
Dale Vince, Ecotricity's Managing Director said, "We are pleased to have the opportunity of a second opinion on this matter, the Council's refusal has been influenced by a small but vocal minority. We hope that the Inspector will recognise that the wider environmental benefits of wind power and common sense will prevail. We want people who can see the bigger picture to make a stand here. Increasing renewable energy is the most important way in which we can combat global warming, Norfolk , of all places, has much to gain from investment in wind energy and the most to lose if climate change continues. Sea levels will rise and we will be looking to install offshore wind power where there used to be land! "