Windfarm gets cool reception

By Chris Carson

Lyme Regis News 16 June 2006

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a mini windfarm on Lyme's Strawberry Field failed to generate much support from town councillors this week.

Members of the policy committee were told the idea was to site two or three 90ft high turbines on the upper edge of the hilltop beauty spot to produce electricity for the national grid.

The suggestion came from Mark Jenkin, project manager with telecoms company Lucent Technology and son of town councillor Lorna Jenkin.

A passionate supporter of renewable energy he said the turbines were becoming a more common sight in the countryside and were a crucial part of Government policy.

He continued: "I don't envision the turbines affecting the sports field plans at all as they would be only a metre or two inside in the top boundary.

"If the existing covenant could be extended to include the generation of renewable energy than I would like to work with Lyme Town Council to explore the possibility of placing the turbines here."

Mr Jenkin said each turbine would generate 250kws of power while the wind blew and would each save nearly 400 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere annually.

He added: "Therefore two turbines, plus the Town Mill Water generator, would mean that Lyme Regis and hinterland could consider themselves carbon neutral' in our power supplies, plus promoting green technology, creating jobs, re-enforcing security of supply and creating a new tourist attraction."

Chairman Owen Lovell said such an idea did not sit well with the designated sports use for the council owned field.

But he thought they might consider it again later if they were unsuccessful in achieving that aim.

Coun Sally Holman said renewable energy technology was moving ahead fast and what Lyme had in terms of wave power could generate far more than two or three wind turbines, which she did not favour at all.

Councillors also pointed out that the likely opposition from Uplyme where residents and the parish council are strongly opposed to any development of the Strawberry Field site, overlooking the Harcombe Valley.

Coun Ken Dibben said it wasn't "one of the best sites" for wind turbines.