Pontefract Windfarm Action Group

Pontefract Wind Farm Action Group

P.W.A.G. Treasurer

The Bungalow

Doncaster Road

East Hardwick

WF8 3EQ

Tel : 01977 620361

Dear Friends/Neighbours,

Westfield Lane Wind Farm - PUBLIC INQUIRY

You may be aware that the decision of Wakefield Planning Committee to refuse permission for the above wind farm has been appealed by the developer. There will now be a Public Inquiry. The final decision will be made by the Secretary of State.

We believe that to finally defeat this industrialisation of ‘Went Edge' we require the best possible representation.

We are engaging a specialist team, including a barrister. This team have represented both local authorities and resident's groups and have had considerable success in this sphere. However, the cost of such service is not cheap.

We are appealing to everyone for financial support in this ultimate stage of our struggle. As the final legal costs are unknown, we are looking to raise a substantial fund. In the event we do not use the full amount we will return money to donors on a pro rata basis i.e if we raise a large fund and only use 50% then we will return half of each original donation.

Pontefract & Castleford Express Thursday August 27th 2009

By NEAL FRANKLAND and RENNIE SMITH Wakefield District Green Party

BECAUSE, as Greens, renewable energy is our cause, we have a particular interest in seeing that cause is not discredited by inappropriate development.

We would therefore like to add our voice to the many that have already spoken out against Banks' proposal to site a wind farm at Westfield Lane in Darrington.

To attempt to squeeze so large an undertaking into so small an area, in such close proximity to housing, would, in our view, be a mistake.

The buffer zone between the turbines and residents' homes would be considerably smaller than generally recommended.

RAF object to wind farm

RAF Linton-Upon-Ouse have sent an objection to the Inspector saying that the Westfield Lane Wind Farm will affect their radar. The turbines will be; in line of sight to; and will cause unacceptable interference to the ATC radar at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Following trials carried out in 2005, it has been concluded that wind turbines can affect the probability of detection of aircraft flying over or in the vicinity of wind turbines. Due to this, the RAF would be unable to provide a full Air Traffic Radar service in the area of the proposed wind farm.