An MP has claimed plans to build four wind turbines being built near Lichfield would be like “putting a solar panel in the shade”.
Germany company ProWind is planning to put up the turbines near the villages of Haunton and Clifton Campville.
And the area’s MP Christopher Pincher believes the wind farm falls down on environmental and health grounds as well as the impact it could have on property prices in the region.
He has also cast doubt on the viability of the project, suggesting that government data shows that local wind speed may not be fast enough.
Mr Pincher said:
“As a member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee, I am in favour of renewable energy sources, but they must be set in appropriate places where they are socially and economically viable. The Mease Valley meets neither of these criteria as the wind speed is so low and intermittent that the wind-farm in my view will not be economically viable.
“Putting a wind turbine there is similar to putting a solar panel in the shade. Why should local communities be devastated when little green energy will be produced?
“I am also working with other MPs to try to ensure local people have a louder voice with similar planning issues. I have also agreed to meet the Chairman of ProWind, Herr Johannes Busmann who has now responded to my letters. I will make clear to him that this development is just not acceptable. I also want to be sure that ProWind is not trying to bully Lichfield District Council with alleged threats of an appeal if their application is not successful.”
The proposed development has already proved controversial with the area’s county councillor accusing ProWind of using “questionable” tactics to try and gain approval for the scheme.