Heydon Wind Farm

I'm hoping to get along to Great Chishill Parish Hall next Tuesday, 27th, at 7.30 to find out more about the views of people regarding the proposals - tentative and preliminary though they may be - for a wind farm at Heydon Grange. The parish council have some information on their website http://www.greatchishillpc.com/heydon-grange-wind-farm.html

and there is the material from the wind farming company on the south cambs website (see previous posts)

How easy is it to vote?

The deadline for registering a postal vote has now closed, but for people who choose to vote in person and who have restricted mobility, there is a campaign and website with info about polling stations. www.pollsapart.org.uk
They asked me and I've sent in my comments - such as they are - about the Whittlesford and Thriplow polling stations, which are not too bad I think, though the doors are a bit of a struggle i would think.

Mmmm...community wind turbines

At a recent Climate Change group meeting at the District Council we had a discussion about communities going for wind turbines which would then generate not just electricity but also an income stream for the relevant village. The main challenge is the capital costs of putting the thing up, but basically one turbine could bring in £10,000 a year over the life of the turbine.
Sounds crazy? - well, maybe, but perhaps better than having some European company coming in, doing a deal with a local landowner and before you know it, there is a windfarm next to your village and you don't get any benefit at all. Websites like goodenergy have more info.
Meanwhile, here's a picture of some daffs and a wind turbine.
Whittlesford's Parish Council meeting next Tuesday will be discussing some less radical energy-saving sustainable issues as we now have a very active village group set up on this issue.

Public bridleway and path between Heathfield and Thriplow

Amid all the hoopla of the General Election campaign, local stuff goes on. I'm told by the rights of way people that as the public consultation on this package of changes has shown there is considerable support, it is highly likely that the legal orders will be made, allowing:
- a proper footpath between Heathfield and Thriplow, benefitting both communities, and
- another bit of bridleway forming a loop off the main Whittlesford - Thriplow track stretching down to Heathfield.
Beautiful countryside for walkers, cyclists and equestrians all.

Heydon Grange Windfarm

First it was Hanley Grange and the 12,000 house "eco-town" built by Tesco, and now it is the turn of Heydon Grange, along the A505 from Thriplow, and the proposals for eleven wind turbines to be built by a German company called Volkswind. It seems sometimes that these granges are jinxed.

What it means for Duxford airfield is not yet clear.

There is an environment assessment report sent in by Volkswind on the South Cambs website though this isn't a formal planning application yet. People have until 12 April to comment. Not much time ...