Wind farm rumpus

PLANS for a controversial wind farm have been changed just two weeks before a final decision is expected on the application.Ecotricity, the green firm behind the proposed development at Inner Farm between Burnham and Brent Knoll, have had to submit the amendments after objections were raised by officials at Network Rail.Bosses at Ecotricity were told that three out of five of the turbines were too close to the railway track and didn't comply with Government guidelines.Now the application has been changed so that the three turbines are further away.Spokesman for campaign group kNOll To Wind Farm, Andrew Manning, said: "We are surprised at the amendment to the application. We recall that Ecotricity's chief executive commented in the press at the time of the application being submitted that it 'is a very robust one and it can and will meet any criticism thrown at it.'"We are also puzzled at the need to move the potential location. Surely if these turbines are as robust a structure as claimed then there can be no danger of collapse if they are located, as originally proposed, closer to the railway lines? What about the danger to public rights of way, houses, village facilities and the local school?"Ecotricity managing director Dale Vince said: "It is very wrong to suggest this is a public safety issue or it is a signal this is not a robust application. Moving the turbines is a precautionary measure."kNOll To Wind Farm's press release is disastrously wrong on facts. The group is exaggerating and scaremongering."I stand by my comments that this is a robust application and a fantastic proposal which has withstood everything thrown at it."Sedgemoor District Council has confirmed that despite the amendments to the application the plans will still be considered at a development control committee meeting on August 8.