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Councillors ‘disgusted’ by Navitus Bay windfarm over concerns about migratory birds
Credit: By Jenny Awford | Thisisdorset | 1st November 2013 | www.thisisdorset.net ~~
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Translate: FROM English | TO English
Councillors say they are “disgusted” by the controversial Navitus Bay Wind Farm plans because of the potentially destructive impact on migratory birds.
If approved, the Navitus Bay project will result in a maximum of 218 wind turbines up to 650ft high within an area that incorporates four Sites of Special Scientific Interest and three sites for protected birds.
An assessment carried out by Navitus concluded that construction at the Avon Valley Special Protection Area would have a “significant” impact on 76 bird species.
Deputy Mayor Phil Stanley Watts stressed the need to have a complete wildlife impact study and said the current report is “flawed, incomplete and lacking in information”.
He said: “I am disgusted that nobody has really picked up the colossal potential damage to the wildlife, especially the many endangered species of birds. “The giant wind turbines will slaughter huge numbers and I feel Navitus Bay have not done their duty to the wildlife. I would like to see the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds voice a strong objection.”
Speaking at a County Hall meeting in October, ward councillor for Burton Grange David Jones also voiced his objections to the “giant bird mincers”.
The RSPB said when a full Environmental Statement is submitted they will consider if there is a significant risk to birds and if this is the case they will object.
Tony Whitehead speaking for the RSPB said: “The RSPB supports renewable energy proposals, including offshore wind parks because the biggest threat to our global environment is climate change. But we need to make sure they are in the right place.”
The Navitus Bay surveys and assessments are still ongoing.
Mike Unsworth, Project Director of Navitus Bay, said: “Over the past few years we’ve worked – and we will continue to work – very closely with Natural England and the RSPB to assess any impacts that the wind park will have on birds. The findings of these assessments will be included in a very comprehensive and detailed environmental impact assessment, which the Planning Inspectorate will examine before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.”
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