5. Targets are referred to although in Para 4.1 it is acknowledged that there are no longer top down regional targets. The figure of 15% is referred to many times even though it is acknowledged that half that target will be met by ‘national level’ contributions locally.

6. Figure 11 on page 32 of the Roadmap shows that projects both operational and in the pipeline will meet national targets but there is no mention of this in the paper.

7. It is difficult not to perceive the bias as towards wind when little effort has been made to explain why tidal energy has not been explored further.

8. In Priority Area three, reference is made to the training opportunities for councillors and officers, but it is not clear if these have taken place yet. If not, then both groups are being asked to endorse a strategy that they might not fully understand. It is also noted that only Cabinet councillors are asked to endorse the strategy whilst all Councillors will have to share the reactions to the strategy whether those are negative or positive once it is implemented.

CONCLUSION: although efforts have been made to assuage concerns that were viewed as somewhat ‘over the top’ at the time by the writers of the earlier drafts, there are still many points that cause concern and fail to give confidence that landscape impact has been fully considered and alternatives explored.
For this reason Save the Vale regretfully cannot endorse this Strategy, and requests that time is granted for a more considered response from us and other stakeholders.

SAVE THE VALE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 MINUTES

SAVE THE VALE 2011 AGM
FRIDAY 17TH FEBRUARY 2012
ARTHUR MORISON HALL CUCKLINGTON

1. APOLOGIES: Apologies were received from Jenifer Bullock, Andrew Cranfield, Lilian Elson, John Payne.

2. RESIGNATIONS: There were no resignations

3. MINUTES: of the 2010 AGM were agreed.

4. MATTERS ARISING: Deputy Chairman, Brian Trueman reported on the outcome of the action taken on the issue of the field in the Village that had been bought and occupied by a local family. A consortium has now purchased the field from the previous owners and a satisfactory resolution has been reached.

5. COMMITTEE REPORTS: The Chairman repeated his warm welcome to members and commented on how much better it would be if we did not have to be here! Nine years ago it was thought the matter of Ecotricity’s plans for wind turbines would be resolved and the Association would not be necessary-not so. The Chairman summarised the action the committee members have taken in relation to Silton Wind Turbines, several smaller scale wind turbine applications, gypsies and travellers sites and the Dorset Renewable Energy Strategy. The Chairman warned of the almost certain rise in energy costs in future and the need for everyone to take all measures they can to save energy and use renewable resources where possible. The Chairman expressed his despair at the inability of Whitehall to provide and workable energy policy and the continuing dependence on wind. A recent Grid ‘Nism’ went unreported, this is caused when there is a severe shortage of power, the shortfall was 500MWs.
The Deputy Chairman reported on the Masha Estates development where SSDC has issued a Stop notice on activity on the site and ordered removal of equipment and accommodation, this has not yet been done. (Since the meeting it has been confirmed that the site has been cleared and the hedge will be reinstated. Thanks are due to Andrew Cranfield for his perseverance in this matter.) He also reported on the final stages of SOS group action against Ecotricity; the appeal starts on February 28th, if Ecotricity win this is it will be the end of the road as a Judicial Review is not financially viable. He spoke vehemently of the unfair loading of the planning system in favour of the developer and the decision making being carried out by an unelected official with no local knowledge.
Committee Member Lachlan Fraser spoke of the Gypsy and Traveller consultation the Dorset undertook; he attended the exhibition and on behalf of members responded to NDDC. The tone of the response was to acknowledge with reluctance that a settled community has advantages to both local society and law and order. The response included a recommendation that swift and timely eviction should take place when there is illegal occupation and that council tax should be paid by those on legal sites.
The Treasurer reported that the Association has a balance of £6857.42. In an attempt to reduce postal and copying costs there will be a drive on the
use of email and to this end members are being asked to provide details for future use.
Committee Member Dee Worlock reported on the visit to DCC with Chairman Campbell Dunford to follow up the Renewable Energy Strategy for Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole. The Association had expressed serious reservations about the promulgation, recommendations and conclusions of the report – concerns that included the lack of transparent independence of two members of the organisation used by DCC. Following a meeting with Miles Butler, and the consideration of other sources of concern, the Strategy has been revised and updated. This update includes the observation that there are sufficient renewable energy sources to meet ‘targets’ without the deployment of wind turbines throughout the county.

6. ELECTIONS: The resignation of Stephen Harrison was accepted with regret; Stephen was thanked for his contribution that has always been constructive and balanced. Two new committee members were elected: Peter Williams and Andrew Cranfield. The remaining Officers and Committee members were re-elected unanimously.

7. SMALLER WIND TURBINES: The Chairman asked members for their views on how the Committee should respond to applications for smaller wind turbines in our area, after some discussion it was agreed that each application would be considered on its merits and appropriate action taken. It was noted that there are up to 50 possible applications in the pipeline.

8. COMMUNICATIONS: as noted previously, there is a drive to get all members’ email addresses on file in order to save costs and facilitate speedy communication on urgent issues. (Members not present are asked to communicate this information to the Secretary).

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: a letter from Mrs L Elson was read to the members to note the appreciation of their efforts in objecting to applications for inappropriately sited wind turbines in the South Somerset area.

10. A MOTION FOR THE ASSOCIATION TO JOIN CPRE: a motion was put to the membership by Secretary Dee Worlock proposing that the Association joined CPRE as an organisation member to allow the Committee and membership to use the expertise of another Campaign group with a wide range of skills and contacts. This could help the Association in future challenges. The motion was seconded by Brian Trueman and accepted unanimously by the membership present.

11. CPRE SPEAKER: Richard Nicholls, Chairman of Dorset CPRE then spoke to the members about the work of CPRE nationally and in Dorset. Some of the areas covered by CPRE in the past year covered building on green field sites, urban sprawl around Bournemouth, DCC Renewable Energy Strategy - in which the organisation was instrumental in the publicising of the proposals for 180 turbines in the county. Also mentioned was quarrying on Portland, a drive on litter, fly tipping and a plan for a seminar on localism when the NNPF is finalised. Mr Nicholls also stressed the access that the organisation has nationally to Government departments through its Chief Executive Shaun Spiers. A very full and useful briefing for which many members expressed their thanks.

Dee Worlock February 2012
d.worlock@btinternet.com

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