The planning committee of Purbeck council on Tuesday voted to support the East Stoke wind turbines proposal, subject to certain conditions being met.

It was a landmark occasion for Purbeck and for Dorset. After four-and-a-half gruelling hours of deliberation among planning officers, specialists, and councillors, including two hours of public presentations, the sense of relief amongst the pro-wind supporters – the largest part of the hundreds-strong crowd in the sports hall of Purbeck School – was palpable. Purbeck planning committee carefully organised the public presentations, each just three minutes in length, to be well-balanced, a presentation in support being followed by one opposed. Some extremely cogent and poignant statements were made during the evening in support of the wind farm, by local residents and representatives of local groups like Purbeck Environment Action Team, Poole Agenda 21, and East Dorset Friends of the Earth.

A key theme during the evening was the support for the scheme from young people, with representations on behalf of pupils from Purbeck School and others, and many who had talked to scouts and scout leaders from the camp which will be closest to the turbines. Another was the strong support for the appearance of the wind turbines, often cited as elegant and majestic, and a symbol of clean, green energy.

Let us hope that Purbeck council, in conjunction with Wimborne-based wind company Infinergy, now work quickly to resolve and meet the conditions.

As many members of the public and councillors stated during the evening, it is time for Purbeck and Dorset to rise to the global and national challenge and do their bit for generating renewable energy.

Theresa McManus, Hendford Road, Ensbury Park