Major set back for Eco Island ambitions as Councillors refuse development of one of the Island’s only feasible wind energy sites.
Tonight Isle of Wight Councillors refused planning consent for the Vectis Wind Farm proposal south of Wellow, turning the Eco Island Vision into a mirage.
Wind farm developer Infinergy and the many people who have pledged their support for the wind farm are bitterly disappointed that the planning committee has rejected the proposal.
Esbjorn Wilmar, Managing Director of Infinergy said: “Isle of Wight Councillors missed a huge opportunity today to show leadership and make a considerable contribution to local renewable energy production. The Island is lagging woefully behind on renewables compared to other Counties, despite ambitious targets in their newly adopted Island Plan, a viable but unharnessed wind resource and the resolve to become an energy self-sufficient Eco Island.”
Mr Wilmar continued: “We are totally confused that so many people support what we are trying to do and when it comes to the crunch, the Planning Board responds to emotive claims and adopts a cautionary approach. If Eco Island is to be realised, large scale onshore wind has to be part of the mix, it cannot be done without a number of wind turbines.”
Mr Wilmar concluded: “We remain convinced this is a good proposal which has the support of many local people, as well as most professional bodies. We will appeal this decision and we are confident that a different outcome will do us justice.”
As readers of Island Pulse are aware we have attempted to keep up with the news of the proposed Vectis Wind Farm, read all about it click here: We were also part of a few Island residents who took the time to visit a working Wind Farm courtesy of Infinergy in 2011 click here:
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