CONTENTIOUS plans to build a giant wind farm on a bird sanctuary was blasted this week by Runcorn MP Mike Hall.

Peel Energy has unveiled a project to erect 21 turbines on Frodsham marshes, overlooking Runcorn and the Mersey estuary.

Mr Hall said: “I am totally opposed to this proposal.

“It would completely obliterate the whole of Frodsham marshes, an area of natural beauty, an ecological treasure of breeding birds and wildlife.”

He said there was no evidence that the wind farm would contribute towards renewable energy and tackle climate change.

“Peel must show us the information and convince us.

“These wind turbines are absolutely enormous. They would look totally out of character.

“I believe they should be off shore and out of sight so they don’t spoil the landscape.

“I would urge people to make their views known, in favour or against.

“Don’t sit back and let it happen because this decision will be taken at Government level.”

Peel claims 21 turbines would meet the average electricity needs of 30,000 households.

Richard Dibley, Peel Energy’s development manager, said: “We are still carrying out detailed technical and environmental studies on the grounds but we believe it is a good place for a wind farm.

“If approved, the scheme would not only meet the needs of 30,000 homes, but will also meet more than a quarter of Cheshire’s renewable energy target for 2010.”

The proposals form part of Peel’s vision to develop the mouth of the Mersey into a ‘renewables hub’ to sit alongside plans to harness tidal power from the River Mersey.

Peel does not anticipate submitting a planning application until 2010.

The company this week pledged to involve the local community at an early stage and hold exhibitions once plans are more defined.

New planning processes being introduced next year mean that the application would be decided by Department of Climate, Energy and Climate Change, rather than a local authority.

What do you think of the proposal?

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