I AM writing in reference to the proposed wind turbine development at Winterborne Whitechurch. Although I am, as a Liberal Democrat, greatly in favour of prioritising renewable energy sources, I am against granting approval to the planning application for the huge, cathedral-sized structures proposed for this village, and have written to the planning authority in support of the objectors – whom I have talked to at length.

This development is not in the public interest as far as the wider area of North Dorset is concerned. Nor is it in interests of the residents of Winterborne Whitechurch itself. Apart from considerations about the natural and historical environment, the over-riding factor is the proximity of a proposed development of this size and scale so close to the village.

It is, in short, in the wrong place and what is more it would be built against the democratic wishes of the residents, expressed recently in a local vote.

As a Liberal Democrat, I believe that such developments should have the majority consent of the local residents most affected.

They will be the ones who will have to live with the consequences of decisions taken by planners, for a very long time.

Hugo Mieville
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, North Dorset