Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, today welcomed an extension for responses to a scoping report for a planned wind farm, which may be built at Cheverton, near Shorwell. This is the third proposal for a wind farm on the site but the three turbines are considerably larger than earlier applications with an overall blade height of 125m (over 400 ft). The project has only recently become public knowledge.

Andrew Turner has raised the issue with the Island’s Council, which has negotiated an extension to allow comments to be made on the scoping report, a document which outlines the impact of such a project on the area, prior to planning permission being sought. The original deadline was 20th August but details were not circulated to parish councils so an extension was negotiated by the Council. Following the extension, responses are now due in by 5.00pm on the 3rd September. Mr Turner wants those affected by the proposals to have the chance to request the information they need and respond to the scoping document so that any subsequent planning application deals properly with local concerns.

Mr Turner said:
“I heard about the proposed plans when I was holding my Summer surgery in Shorwell and Limerstone on Tuesday August 19th. I was approached by several local residents who were extremely concerned about what a wind farm could mean for the area. On Thursday 21st, I raised the issue with the Leader of the Island’s Council, Cllr Pugh and the Chief Executive, Steve Beynon and they negotiated a two week extension of the scoping report. This period, I hope, will give Shorwell residents and others time to ask the questions they need.”

There are a series of public meetings planned to give information to Island residents as follows:
Wednesday 3rd September (3.30pm – 7.30pm), Shorwell Parish Hall, Shorwell
Thursday 4th September (5.30pm – 8pm), Wilberforce Hall, Brighstone
Friday 5th September (12noon – 8pm), Riverside Centre, Newport
Saturday 6th September (10am – 2pm), West Wight Sports Centre, Freshwater

If you have any questions about the proposed Cheverton wind farm project or any issues you believe should be addressed in any future planning application, you should contact the Isle of Wight Council Planning Services department before the September 3rd deadline.

END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808