Our aim is to preserve the green space and rural environment of Chelveston Airfield. We firmly believe that the proposals put forward by Chelveston Renewable Energy will have a significant, detrimental effect on the airfield, the surrounding rural environment and nearby villages, and the well-being of residents and visitors to the Three Shires district.
The Airfield site was sold by the Ministry of Defence at the end of 2005: at the time of sale, the area was designated as Greenfield.
In considering the formation of PRESERVE we have been very aware of the potential for renewable energy projects to contribute to both our energy needs and strategies to help preserve the environment by reductions of carbon dioxide emissions. However, as outlined in our campaign (link), we strongly believe that:
1) The impact of the industrialisation of the Chelveston airfleld significantly outweighs any positive benefits on emissions.
2) The low average wind speed (the lowest in the UK) means that the site is fundamentally unsuitable for a wind development.
The large number of lorry journeys per year required to service the biomass plant will dramatically impact the local and national environment, off-setting any potential gains for the electricity generated.
