July 2008
CPRE Sussex and other environmental groups who are members of the South Downs Environmental Protection Consortium have criticized the government's decision to grant permission for a giant wind turbine at Glyndebourne in the South Downs AONB. The turbine will be the first industrial-scale turbine ever to be built in a designated national park.

Tom Oliver of the Campaign to Protect Rural England said: “Although it is good that the government is taking the issue of climate change more seriously, in our view this huge wind turbine at Glyndebourne is the wrong development in the wrong place. Skyscraper-sized machines should be built out at sea or in otherwise industrialised landscapes, not high up in our most valued landscapes.”

Stuart Meier, Director of CPRE Sussex said: “It is a very disappointing outcome. The crumb of comfort is that the Secretary of State has recognised the importance of protecting our finest landscapes, and reiterated the government's commitment to their protection. However, in his report, the inquiry Inspector has acknowledged the development would have significant adverse impacts on the local countryside and on walkers. Added to this, the Inspector notes that the development will generate low levels of energy. So on many counts, we find the government's decision puzzling.”

Ruth Chambers of the Campaign for National Parks, said “We are hugely disappointed by the government's decision in this case which in our view fails to appreciate the national importance of the South Downs landscape. However, we are heartened by the government's acknowledgement that the Glyndebourne turbine is a special case because it is a unique enterprise in a unique location. This sends a very clear message to would-be turbine developers that in general nationally important landscapes such as the South Downs will be protected from large wind schemes.”

Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has imposed several conditions which must be met before the wind turbine is built, including the closure of Glyndebourne's helipad, and a programme of measures to encourage the use of non-car modes of transport. The Consortium welcomes the Secretary of State's recognition that the carbon footprint of Glyndebourne's visitors should be tackled, a point which CPRE argued during the public inquiry which took place earlier in 2008.

26th March 2008
CPRE Sussex worked with other organisations to challenge the proposal, establishing the South Downs Environmental Protection Consortium (SDEPC) with members from key environmental groups with within Sussex and nationally. Acting as a 'Rule 6' party, SDEPC presented evidence from a range of expert witnesses. Our Vice President, Dr Peter Brandon, spoke as an internationally recognised authority on the Landscape History of the South Downs. Fiona Fyfe gave evidence as our professional landscape witness on PPS1, PPS7 and PPS22. Tom Oliver and Graeme Willis from CPRE's National Office gave evidence on the 'Tranquillity' impact of a 230ft wind turbine in this location, drawing on CPRE's extensive work in this field. Further witnesses gave evidence on other aspects with numerous members of the public speaking out against the proposal.

22nd January 2008
The Glyndebourne Coalition, renamed the South Downs Environmental Protection Consortium (SDEPC) is currently finalising proofs of evidence for submission to the Inspector. Member organisation are: CPRE Sussex and National Office, The South Downs Society, The Ramblers local and national groups, The Council for National Parks, the Open Spaces Society and the South Downs Campaign.

The issue of Noise will be raised by Professor Parker, a CPRE member, who will stand as an individual at the Inquiry.

10th January 2008
The Inspector confirmed at the Pre-Inquiry Meeting on 9th January 2008 that the Inquiry will open on 26th February 2008 at White Hart, Lewes. The Inquiry will sit on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday starting at 10am. Written Statements and proofs of evidence must be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate by Tuesday 29th January 2008.

December 2007
The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed that the Public Inquiry will open on 26th February 2008 and is anticipated to run for six days.

November 2007
We are dismayed to learn that LDC councillors have approved permission for the temporary mast but delighted to learn that the mast application has been called-in and will be decided at Public Inquiry.

October 2007
We have objected to Glyndebourne Production's separate application for a temporary 50 metre meteorological mast at the same site. We are urging Lewes District Council and the Planning Inspectorate to consider this application with the wind turbine application at the Public Inquiry.

Update August 2007
The Secretary of State has decided that the application is to be 'called-in' which means it will be subject to a Public Inquiry.

Update July 2007
We are dismayed that LDC Councillors voted against the recommendations of their own Planning Officer and in favour of the wind turbine.

The Planning Officer recommended that the application be refused due to the significant harm which would be caused by the giant turbine to the natural beauty, character and tranquillity of the landscape. The wind turbine proposal is in direct conflict with national, regional and local planning policies and is opposed by Natural England as well as locally by village residents.

How it all started
Glyndebourne Productions submitted an application for an industrial scale wind turbine (72 metres to blade tip) at the end of last year. The turbine is to be sited within the South Downs AONB (National Park) and if granted will be the first of this size in any protected landscape in England. .At a public meeting, organised by Ringmer Parish Council on 9th February, residents voted overwhelmingly against the turbine (126 against, only 16 in favour). The Parish Council voted 5:2 to reject the proposal.

The proposed structure will be 60 feet (20 metres) higher than Nelson's Column and will dominate the landscape for many miles. CPRE supports renewable energy, but believes it is imperative that new sources are located appropriately to ensure the integrity of the landscape is protected.

We have formed a coalition with other like minded organisations and individuals, all of whom have objected to this application. Such was our concern, the Coalition notified GOSE (Government Office South East) of the application as we felt it was too important for a district planning committee to decide alone. As a result the applications have been called-in and will now be decided at a Public Inquiry.