Support Gartree windfarm

A new windfarm has been proposed for Leicestershire, near the town of Market Harborough.

Local action to tackle climate change will:

Boost the local economy
Create jobs.

Gartree windfarm-to-be

Photomontage of Gartree windfarm-to-be

Serious about climate change

If the UK is serious about meeting its targets to cut carbon emissions we must switch to clean and safe energy sources like wind.

Local government must lead by example in implementing sustainable energy projects.

Get involved

Members of the public will have the chance to buy a stake in this community-owned windfarm if it receives planning permission.

The Gartree Wind Power Co-operative is being developed by Energy4All. It will be offering shares in the wind farm.

Did you know?

All three turbines will be 100% owned by the community, providing enough clean energy to power around 3,000 homes.

Energy4All

Let's make it happen

This project is supported by Leicester Friends of the Earth and The Pro Wind Alliance. They are working hard to encourage their local council to cut CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2020.

Please join them in calling on Harborough District Council to approve the project and help cut carbon dioxide emissions.

Support Gartree Windfarm

Dear Mr. Stock,

Planning Application No.09/01220/FUL Statement of support I am writing to express my support for the application submitted by Gartree Wind Power Co-operative Limited. I would like Harborough District Council's Planning Control and Conservation Department to consider the following points when making a decision on the windfarm: The UK faces devastating impacts as a result of future climate change. The floods around the country in 2007 are a reminder of the kinds of weather events that will become more frequent and more extreme. Scientists from the IPCC warn that we must stabilise greenhouse gas emissions in the next 10 years to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees centigrade and prevent catastrophic impacts. As part of its strategy to cut emissions, the UK Government supports an EU target of 15% of all energy from renewable sources by 2020. This will require the participation of every community around the UK in the adoption of low carbon energy technologies. Britain is Europe's windiest country. Wind power offers huge potential to reduce our emissions and improve our energy security. Onshore windpower is currently the best developed and most economical renewable generation technology, allowing us to make much needed reductions right now. I understand there may be concerns about the visual impact of this proposal. This is a subjective issue, and it must be borne in mind that modern wind turbines are planned for a period of 25 years, after which time they may be removed, or replaced. Visual impacts must also be weighed against the likely damage to our landscapes and environment caused by climate change, such as loss of beech trees and bluebell woods. Finally, I would like to remind you that national planning policy now prioritises action on climate change in the new Planning Policy Statement: Planning and Climate Change. These guidelines must now be embraced at a local level and strongly emphasise the guidance contained in PPS 1 paragraphs 13 and 22, and PPS 22, to promote and encourage the development of renewable energy resources. The Local Government Association recently urged councils to demonstrate leadership in tackling climate. I urge you approve the Gartree wind farm proposal which will make a significant contribution to cutting emissions from the area.

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