The Planning Inspectorate has appointed Inspector Trevor Cookson to hold a public inquiry, which will start at 10.00 on 12 January 2010 at The Harpur Suite, Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1LE

In July 2009 Nuon Renewables, part of global energy giant NV Nuon, have lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate in relation to failure of the Bedford Borough Council to determine the application on the Airfield Farm wind farm.

Had the decision been made within the statutory time, Bedford Borough Council would have refused planning permission. At a meeting on Monday 24th August 2009 the recommendation to refuse the application made in the Planning Officer's Report was endorsed by the Planning Committee. The vote was 7 against, one in support and one abstention.

In response to Nuon's appeal, the Planning Inspectorate, on November 16th 2009, appointed Inspector Trevor Cookson to hold a public inquiry, for four days from 12th January to 15th January 2010 at The Harpur Suite in Bedford.

For further details of the campaign, click through to The Campaign page.

THE THIN END OF THE WEDGE

These three turbines are the thin end of the wedge. It should be noted that the owner of the site has strategically purchased a strip of adjoining land that would facilitate an extenion to any approved wind farm scheme. Three turbines in one of the least windy parts of the country is not an economic proposition and would not justify the investment. Nuon is more than likely already considering applying for additional turbines nearby.

CLOWD has been fighting these proposals from the outset. We submitted detailed objections to the 9 turbine scheme. The views of the villages were elevated and properly heard.

We have been fighting the 3 turbine scheme and have undertaken many presentations in the villages to meetings called by Parish Councils. The result is that the elected representatives of 116,000 people have objected to the 3 turbine proposals. We believe that this area of Bedfordshire is not the right place for 3 turbines at 410 feet tall and have submitted detailed objections again.

Bedford Borough Council have come to the same conclusion and rejected the proposal. The appeal by the applicant means the decision will now sit with a Planning Inspector.

This appeal means local democracy is put aside and that the Public Inquiry process is such that lawyers, barristers, planners, acoustic engineers, landscape consultants now have to be brought before the Planning Inspector.

CLOWD wishes to continue the fight to the end but to have the best chance of succeeding we too must seek further professional help.

We have been granted “Rule 6” status that means we can present evidence and cross examine the NUON representatives. We are looking to join forces with other objectors to share the cost but representations by suitable professionals (particularly a barrister, a planning expert and possibly other expert witnesses) will be expensive.

Democracy unfortunately does not come cheap. To ensure we maximise our impact at the appeal we estimate we will need in the region of £40,000.

We need cash and help with raising large Democracy unfortunately does not come cheap. Big corporations such as Nuon have big budgets, we do not.

We need your help now.

We need help with raising large sums of money and will be organising some fundraising events. Help is needed with these events. If you have ideas, able to commit a little time, or help in any way, please contact Ros.

Please donate as much as you can.

Ros Pound : Secretary

Steve Chambers : Chairman