Eddisbury News

Stephen O’Brien slams decision to proceed with Bickerton Anonometer despite local concerns expressed at meeting.

Eddisbury MP Stephen O’Brien – who is backing villagers in their fight to save one of Cheshire’s most valued landscapes from a potential wind turbine development - has today slammed the decision by developers to erect a 60m at Bickerton Hills – despite the strength of concerns expressed by himself and local campaigners at a meeting with Banks Development at Bickerton Village Hall on 1st September.

Stephen O’Brien has warned that that the mast will be followed by a proposal for the construction of industrial wind turbines which will destroy one of the county’s most popular tourist destinations, and threaten much of the surrounding rural economy such as the fast growing equine and equestrian businesses.

The original planning application for the anometer was rejected by Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council’s Development Control Committee earlier this year, but allowed on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate.

Eddisbury MP Stephen O’Brien said: “I am deeply disappointed that following the meeting with myself and local campaigners - at Bickerton Village Hall on 1st September - Banks Development has chosen not to take on board the genuine concerns of myself and local people about the damaging impact a turbine development at this location will have on one of the most beautiful areas in the Cheshire countryside.

“This is nothing short of environmental vandalism and will hit tourism and equestrian businesses at a time when the local economy is already suffering from the impact of the credit crunch and is now facing a full blown recession.

“Needless to say, I will be making my views known about Banks Development’s decision to proceed with the erection of the 60m anonometer mast in no uncertain terms. It is bad enough that wind turbines are next to useless, but the fact developers like Banks propose to erect them in such unsuitable and inappropriate locations shows that this Government has thrown common sense out of the window.

“The battle to save Bickerton Hills from this abuse of one of our most cherished natural amenities has only just begun, and I will be supporting and working closely with SWBT to have these proposals put where they belong – in the bin.”