11 July 2008: Glyndebourne wind turbine gets go ahead

Media: 1020

Government Minister Hazel Blears has given final go ahead for a 70 metre high wind turbine on land at Mill Plain, Ringmer. (Planning application reference LW/07/0077).

This follows a Public Inquiry in March when Planning Inspector Dr. Andrew Pykett heard evidence from those in favour and against the wind turbine. Lewes District Council’s Planning Applications Committee had previously voted to approve the application from Glyndebourne Productions Ltd on 11 July 2007. However, the application was “called in” for her own determination by the Secretary of State, Hazel Blears because of the wider implications of the proposal for renewable energy development in the South Downs. This took the decision out of the Council’s hands, and gave the opportunity to hold a public inquiry to hear all views before Hazel Blears took a decision.

Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, released her decision letter today. Amongst the key factors in the decision letter were:

• She considers the impact of the scheme would be manageable and the effect of the proposed development would not be unacceptable
• Overall, she considers that the scheme would constitute the sensitive exploitation of a renewable energy source without significant detriment to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which would thus be neither undermined or compromised
• She concludes that any disadvantages of the proposal are outweighed by the benefits, and she considers that planning permission should be granted.

Professor Peter Gardiner, Lead Councillor for Planning at Lewes District Council said “This is a national decision as part of a national need.  The Inspector heard from local supporters and opponents of the turbine. He weighed in the balance the landscape issues (supported by Natural England, the CPRE and the South Downs Joint Committee) and found on balance that carbon reduction and energy security took priority.

Oil is becoming scarce and supply is too easily interrupted. Oil should be used for transport and not for electricity generation.  But for turbines to be an effective oil replacement they have to be spread right across the country including here, so that there are always some turbines turning. Just having them in Cornwall and the North of Scotland isn’t enough.  We in the South East are following the rest of Europe, where turbines are now a necessary part of the landscape.  We will grow to love them as we love the 18th and 19th century Sussex windmills. They are a beacon of hope in an uncertain future.

We realise a number of people in Ringmer will be disappointed by this decision, but the Public Inquiry meant that every shade of opinion was voiced and heard”.

David Pickard General Director Glyndebourne Productions Ltd said, "Glyndebourne Productions Limited are delighted that the Secretary of
State, Hazel Blears has granted permission for Glyndebourne to build a wind turbine. This is a significant step for Glyndebourne in its continued drive to take responsibility for the impact it has on the environment. The turbine will supply the opera house with clean renewable energy and will reduce its carbon emissions by 70%. The project has been spearheaded by Gus Christie, but it is an imperative for Glyndebourne as an environmentally responsible organisation. We would like to extend thanks to all who have ported this project."
 
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Notes to Editors:

What happens next:

• A meteorological monitoring mast will be erected to measure wind speeds to confirm the turbine will produce expected output. It is expected the mast will be erected on site in autumn 2008 and will monitor wind speeds for 12 months.
• The Inspector confirmed that “Glyndebourne is prepared to commit to a number of other benefits including reduced private car travel, an education programme, the prohibition of audience transport by helicopter and a further reduction on the carbon footprint”.
• The Inspector concluded “with particular reference to possible noise interference the proposed development would have no harmful impact on the living conditions of local residents”. Lewes District Council will receive information on wind direction and noise levels.

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